Ravindra Jadeja puts retirement rumours to rest after Champions Trophy victory

Dubai: As the Champions Trophy celebrations unfolded, rumours about the futures of India’s senior players — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — continued to swirl. But it was Ravindra Jadeja who took to Instagram, ending speculation with a firm message. While Kohli and Rohit had addressed their plans earlier, Jadeja’s post quickly became the talking point, ensuring fans that the all-rounder is far from stepping away from the format.

After winning the Twenty20 World Cup, Kohli and skipper Rohit announced their retirement from the format immediately. The next day, Jadeja followed suit, announcing his Twenty20 international retirement on social media.

The trio followed a similar pattern after winning the Champions Trophy. However, contrary to the rumours and speculation that the three would retire, Kohli made it clear that he wants to leave when Team India is in a better position. Within an hour, skipper Rohit addressed the media and said, “I am not going to retire from this format. I want to make sure that no rumours are spread moving forward. Thank you so much.”

The all-rounder, who hit the winning runs in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, also took to social media to dismiss rumours, suggesting that he will continue playing in the format.

“No unnecessary rumours, thanks,” Jadeja posted on Instagram. The post, which included folded hands and salute emojis, went viral, with fans celebrating the confirmation that the experienced all-rounder is not stepping away from ODI cricket.

India needed 11 runs when Jadeja walked in at the fall of Hardik Pandya’s wicket. The left-hander ran aggressively to bring India closer to the target, hitting the winning boundary off the last ball of the penultimate over to win by four wickets.

“That is how it is with me; sometimes a hero, sometimes a zero,” Jadeja told the official broadcasters during the victory celebrations. “The wicket was not easy for a new batter. Hardik and KL were great. Winning the Champions Trophy is a huge thing. If you don’t win a big tournament after playing so long, it hurts.”

Jadeja may have silenced the rumours, but his contribution to India’s Champions Trophy triumph was undeniable. The veteran all-rounder’s performance not only secured the title but also reinforced his place in India’s ODI future. With Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja all reaffirming their commitment to the format, India can look forward to a more settled and experienced leadership core in the years to come.