Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has once again spoken openly, this time voicing strong support for Rohit Sharma. He praised the ODI captain’s batting class and long-lasting career, while also criticizing those who doubt him.

Rohit has already retired from T20Is and Tests, and with ODIs slowly losing space in the international calendar, his appearances are expected to become rare. Yet Yograj believes Rohit still has plenty to contribute if he focuses on peak fitness.

Champions Trophy Knock Proved His Class

Rohit’s last international game was in March. He guided India to Champions Trophy victory with a match-winning 76 off 83 balls against New Zealand in the final. His innings not only sealed the title but also earned him the Player of the Match award.

For Yograj, that knock was clear proof of Rohit’s unmatched quality in one-day cricket. He said, “The man about whom so many people speak rubbish, Rohit Sharma — I said that day that Rohit will be my man, the man, my man. The way he batted, his batting one side and the rest of the team’s batting on the other side. His innings on one side and the rest of the world on the other. That’s his class.”

He went on to urge Rohit to extend his career further, adding, “You can say, ‘Rohit, aapki hume 5 saal aur zarurat hai yaar’ (Rohit, we need you for five more years, man) so please do more for your country, work on your fitness and everything. Put four men on him, make him run 10 kilometres every morning. He has the class to play till 45 years of age, if he wants.”

Yograj Hits Back at Rohit’s Critics

Yograj Singh, known for never holding back, sharply criticized those who question Rohit’s fitness and skill despite never playing at the highest level. He remarked, “I believe you should play domestic cricket; the more you play that, the fitter you’ll be. Who got the Man of the Match in the final? Rohit Sharma. So you should only talk about things that you know. If you want to talk about his game and fitness, do that only if you have played at some level. Do you feel ashamed for talking like this?”

What Lies Ahead for Rohit

There has been no official word yet on Rohit’s ODI future. However, reports suggest that both Rohit and Virat Kohli might step away from the 50-over format after the upcoming Australia series.

The possible decision is linked to BCCI’s plan to make senior players participate in domestic white-ball tournaments. In Rohit and Kohli’s case, that would mean playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.