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26.03.2025“We take immense pride in our unwavering determination, and we certainly exemplified that spirit,” remarked Santner in his post-match reflections on Cricbuzz.com.
26.03.2025
### Champions Trophy Final 2025: Gill Dismisses Retirement Rumors Surrounding Rohit Sharma
**By Vijay Tagore**
*Last updated on*
Ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai, rising star Shubman Gill has put to rest the swirling rumors regarding the potential retirement of Indian captain Rohit Sharma. According to Gill, who serves as Rohit’s vice-captain, the focus remains squarely on clinching the coveted trophy, with no discussions about Rohit’s retirement.
“Currently, our sole focus is on winning the match and securing the Champions Trophy. Rohit has not addressed any retirement plans with me or the team. I do not believe he is contemplating it at this moment,” stated the India vice-captain.
Persistent speculation has emerged concerning Rohit Sharma’s international future, following his retirement from the T20 format after India’s World Cup triumph in Barbados last June. Some had posited that the Champions Trophy final might serve as an opportune moment for Rohit to announce another retirement—potentially from One Day Internationals or even from all forms of international cricket—given his recent struggles with form across both Tests and ODIs.
However, Gill effectively quashed these speculations during the pre-final press conference at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. To ensure his statements were not misconstrued, he returned to the media room to clarify that he had no knowledge of any such plans by Rohit.
Discussing the match conditions, Gill acknowledged that while there have been talks in Dubai about sudden weather changes, the Indian team is well-prepared for the local conditions. “Despite the rising daytime temperatures and the potential of dew at night, I do not anticipate significant changes in the wicket’s behavior,” Gill noted, highlighting India’s undefeated record on the Dubai ground throughout the tournament.
The prodigious opener expressed his excitement about participating in his second ICC final after featuring in the 2023 World Cup, where India was defeated by Australia. “I am thrilled. This marks my second ICC event final with Team India, and I’m eager to seize this opportunity. Having come up short last time, we’re determined to succeed this time,” he said. Although he was not part of the squad in the Twenty20 World Cup final, his enthusiasm for the upcoming match against New Zealand is palpable.
Acknowledging the weight of the occasion, Gill emphasized that a Champions Trophy final cannot be treated as just another match. “There’s unquestionably pressure in such high-stakes scenarios,” he remarked. “Experience in handling pressure, as players like Virat Kohli have shown, becomes invaluable in these moments. The key to success in such matches lies in managing the pressure and focusing on playing the game, rather than getting overwhelmed by the grandeur of the occasion.”
Despite a slight dip in form in recent matches, Gill believes his preparation positions him well to deliver a strong performance in the final. After beginning the tournament with a century against Bangladesh, followed by 46 against Pakistan, he has faced challenges in the subsequent games, being dismissed cheaply against New Zealand and Australia. Nonetheless, he remains committed to refining his skills, having devoted extensive time at the ICC Academy nets with Rohit Sharma while his teammates focused on light fielding and bowling sessions.
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