Speculations were rife about Rohit’s retirement from ODIs after the Champions Trophy, but the 37-year-old put them to rest after leading India to an unprecedented third title.
“If he keeps going, he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time. Rohit has also said he is not retiring and has requested that rumours be stopped spreading.”
Rohit smashed an 83-ball 76, playing a pivotal role in India’s tricky 252-run chase in the final against New Zealand in Dubai to win the player-of-the-match.
Hailing Rohit’s record as both a batter and captain, de Villiers was effusive in his praise for how the India captain transformed his batting in the ODI format over the last three years to win the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in a span of nine months.
“Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire. No reason to take any criticism whatsoever. His record speaks for himself. Not only that, but he has also sort of transformed his game,” he said.
“It’s transforming your own game and it never stops. You have always something to learn and something to do better,” he added.