'These things affect your mind' - Ajinkya Rahane’s blunt remark on Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs WI 2026 series

Ajinkya Rahane has offered a candid assessment of how retirement speculation affected Rohit Sharma during India's recent ODI series against England. The former India batter addressed the intense talk surrounding Rohit's future in the lead-up to the third and final ODI at Lord's in July 2026, where the 39-year-old captain scored 138 off 110 balls. Rohit had managed only 11 runs in the first ODI and 26 off 47 balls in the second ODI at Cardiff before his century at Lord's, which was the first ODI century by an Indian at Lord's.

After getting out cheaply in the first two matches, there were reports suggesting that the final ODI at the Lord's Cricket Ground would be Rohit's last appearance in international cricket. However, the former India captain slammed a fantastic century under pressure to silence his doubters.

Rahane spoke about the impact of such external pressures on senior players. While Rahane believes that a senior cricketer like Rohit will not be too bothered about the constant criticism and the retirement saga, the cricketer-turned-expert feels that it will still play on his former India teammate's mind.

"First of all, why did this topic even come out and why were people even talking about it? A player like him has been performing consistently over the years so this question should not have come up at all. No matter how senior a player you are, these things affect your mind," Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

"It is important to respect senior players. We know how important his experience will be in the World Cup. It does play on your mind, but knowing Rohit, I know he would have ignored all this," he added.

Squad inclusion eases pressure on Rohit

The former batter emphasised that Rohit's inclusion in India's squad for the West Indies ODI series, which begins on September 27, 2026, would ease the pressure surrounding the captain. Rahane highlighted the value of experience in international cricket, particularly with the World Cup approaching. However, the former India skipper believes that Rohit continuing to perform well will be key as he is playing only one format in international cricket.

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"These questions will not rise again because he is in the team for the West Indies series. This will stop now, which is a very good team. In important games, experience is handy. It is important to have a blend of experience and newcomers," Rahane said.

"With the World Cup in a year, Rohit being there is important. He will look to maintain his rhythm and flow. He will play each series with the same hunger and intensity. His experience on the field as a senior player is also important," he added.