India captain Rohit Sharma fires back at critics ahead of Champions Trophy

Skipper comes out fighting while Australia suffer Pat Cummins injury setback

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has hot back at criticism of his performance as India captain. AFP

India captain Rohit Sharma lashed out when asked about criticism of his form and captaincy, insisting on Wednesday he was fully focused on the upcoming ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy.

Under Rohit's leadership the Test side lost 3-0 at home to New Zealand and suffered a 3-1 defeat by Australia which ended their decade-long hold on the Border Gavaskar Trophy – but the 37-year-old ruled out retirement despite a prolonged run of poor form.

He stepped away from Twenty20 international cricket following India's World Cup triumph last year, but said he would not comment on media reports suggesting he might end his ODI career after the Champions Trophy.

"How is it relevant that I talk about my future plans here when we have three ODIs and the Champions Trophy coming up? The reports have been going on for a number of years," Rohit said.

"I'm not here to clarify them. For me right now, these three games and then the Champions Trophy are very important. My focus is on these games, we'll see what happens after that."

India did receive a boost as T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav guided them to a dominant 4-1 T20 series win over England.

Asked if he could return to the shorter format in which he can be devastating, Rohit appeared irritated by the line of questioning before Thursday's opening ODI in Nagpur.

India's Abhishek Sharma celebrates after reaching his century in the fifth Twenty20 match against England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 2, 2025. India won the game by 150 runs and the series 4-1. AP

Scoreboard at Wankhede Stadium shows the final result - England's biggest-ever defeat in T20s. Getty Images

India's Abhishek Sharma reached his century off 37 balls helping his team reach 247-9. AFP

England fast-bowler Mark Wood celebrates after taking the wicket of India's Sanju Samson for 16. AFP

India's Abhishek Sharma hit seven fours and 13 sixes in his knock of 135 from 54 balls. Reuters

England bowler Brydon Carse, second left, celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of India's Tilak Varma for 24. AP

India's Shivam Dube hit 30 off 13 balls, including three fours and two sixes. AFP

India batter Shivam Dube survives a run-out attempt. Getty Images

India bowler Mohammed Shami, left, finished with figures of 3-25. AP

Phil Salt top-scored for England with 50 as the visitors were bowled out for 97. Only one other player reached double figures. Getty Images

India's Varun Chakravarthy, right, celebrates with Suryakumar Yadav after taking the wicket of England's captain Jos Buttler for seven. AFP

"What kind of a question is that? This is a different format, a different time. As cricketers, we know there will be ups and downs and I've faced a lot in my career, so this is nothing new to me," he added.

"Every day is a fresh day, every series is a fresh series. So yeah, I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm not looking at what has happened in the past.

"A lot of good things have happened as well. It's important I focus on what is coming up and what lies ahead for me. It's as simple as that. I'll look to start the series on a high and let's see what happens."

Rohit said India were awaiting news on Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the Champions Trophy, starting on February 19, as the pace spearhead recovers from a back injury sustained in the final Test against Australia in January. India will play their three group games in Dubai.

Cummins 'heavily unlikely' for Champions Trophy

Australia captain Pat Cummins seems certain to miss the Champions Trophy, while fellow pacer Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt for the ODI tournament, coach Andrew McDonald said on Wednesday.

Cummins missed the Test series in Sri Lanka due to the birth of his second child but has been troubled by an ongoing ankle injury.

"Pat Cummins hasn't been able to resume any type of bowling so he's heavily unlikely," McDonald told Australian radio station SEN. "So that would mean that we do need a captain. Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we've been having conversations with while we've been building out that Champions Trophy team."

Hazlewood missed three of the five India Tests and the Sri Lanka tour with side and calf injuries. McDonald said he was battling to be fit and a decision would be made in the coming days.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a back injury.