Shubman Gill Leaks Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Plans After Champions Trophy 2025 Final

With India’s two veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, retiring from the T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup last year in Barbados, many started speculating if the same would happen. But Shubman Gill, on the eve of the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, has downplayed the speculation.

Kohli, after going through a lean patch in the 50-over format last year along with the Tests, has looked in a great rhythm with a century against Pakistan and a crucial 84-run knock against Australia in the first semifinal at the same venue.

Shubman Gill ends speculation on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s potential retirement plans

India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, was not surprised at questions on Rohit and Kohli’s probable retirements if the 2013 title winners add another trophy to the cabinet. But he reckoned that the dressing room is currently focusing on the game rather than the retirement of the two modern-day greats.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand Commentary Panel For Champions Trophy Final 2025 Revealed!! Veterans Included

“There is no talk about retirement in the dressing room, now.” Gill expressed in the press conference.

Rohit hasn’t gotten a huge score under his belt yet in this event, but he has always looked to play the aggressive knock. Kohli, on the other hand, has mostly enjoyed crucial partnerships with Shreyas Iyer, besides pocketing milestones in India’s road to the final.

Gill reckoned that the Blue Brigade’s current batting line-up is better than any he has previously played in. Even after playing on the slow Dubai surface, each of the top seven of the side has earned a top score of more than 40 in the tournament.

“This is the best batting line-up that I have been a part of. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, I think, are the all-time one-day greats in the world. Rohit bhai, one of the best openers in white-ball cricket, and Virat bhai, I don't think I need to say anything about him. He is one of the best ODI batters ever.” Shubman Gill addressed in the pre-match presser.

“I'm batting in between the two, and then below we have Shreyas [Iyer], who is in such good form, then KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja.’ The opening batter reckoned.

Shubman Gill eyes smart batting in Champions Trophy 2025 final

At 25, the right-handed batter has already smashed 2744 runs in 54 innings at an average of nearly 60 and a strike rate of over 100, shouldering on eight centuries and 15 half-centuries. There is no question on his place in the 50-over format.

Shubman Gill started his tournament with an unbeaten 101, which carried them over the line against Bangladesh. He aims to be smart, which means batting more freely rather than taking more risks.

I honestly don't think about whether I need to take more risks or fewer risks. And I think it's more about me being in my zone and taking calculated risks. I take more risks at the right point when I feel the bowler is under pressure.” Gill responded.

Also Read: Mohammad Amir To Join Virat Kohli In RCB For IPL 2026? Pacer Drops Bombshell

“Most of my batting is instinctive. I don't pre-plan, and I don't play any shots that are pre-planned. When you are playing on the wicket, you kind of have an idea of what kind of total you're looking to make on that wicket. And then you add 15 to 20 runs to give that extra cushion to the bowlers.” Shubman Gill highlighted.

India seeks ICC event’s revenge vs New Zealand

In most of the ICC events, India has found the hard end to New Zealand. It started in the 2000 Champions Trophy final and kept on going for the next couple of decades.

Whether it’s in the 2016 T20 World Cup at home in Nagpur or the famous 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal, the Blackcaps have enjoyed the upper hand against India on a few previous occasions in ICC events, and Rohit’s army will hope to flip the script.