Instead of lamenting Rohit Sharma’s eventual retirement from international cricket, cricket legend Kapil Dev has urged supporters to cherish his important accomplishments and the joy he has provided to the game.
He continued by saying that over the years, cricket fans have been greatly delighted by the dazzling strokeplay of the former Indian captain, while responding to rumors that Rohit’s ODI at Lord’s would be his last international match.
“No, let’s say happy. Why sad? He has given us so much happiness over the years. Everybody has to go. Sunil Gavaskar gone, Rahul gone, Anil Kumble gone, Sachin gone. Everybody has to go,” Kapil told ANI.
Instead of lamenting Rohit’s departure, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain advised fans to celebrate his accomplishments.
“So when he goes, we should celebrate his life. What a happiness, how much entertainment he has given to the country, not only to the country, but also around the world. We should be happy, why sad?” he said.
Wishing him well, Kapil hoped Rohit would retire gracefully.
“Yes, he has to go one day. I hope if he’s going, he should get a hundred and go,” he added.
Having debuted in ODIs against Ireland in Belfast on June 23, 2007, the 39-year-old has already bid farewell to T20Is and Test cricket.
During the current England series, where Rohit has battled for runs, the retirement rumors gained traction. The seasoned opener has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.12 in eight games this year, with a best score of 79. In the first two ODIs, he registered scores of 11 and 26.
