NEW DELHI: India skipper Rohit Sharma was at his hilarious best on Wednesday as his cheeky response involving veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara ‘retirement’ floored the mediapersons after the conclusion of the third Test in Brisbane.
As premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shockingly drew curtains on his international career after the third India vs Australia Test ended in a draw, the skipper was bombarded with questions related to the veteran.
And in one such instance when a reporter asked Rohit whether he will miss the likes of Ashwin, Pujara and Rahane as they go out of the Indian team slowly, Rohit funnily responded, saying that you will get me into trouble.
Not ignoring the fact that the two can still make a comeback in the longest format, Rohit’s witty response had everyone laughing their hearts out in the media room.
“By the way Ajinkya Rahane has not retired. You will get me in trouble. (Aap mereko marwaoge yaar). You are saying as if all three have retired. Pujara also hasn’t even retired yet. You named all three, that is why I am clarifying. Pujara and Rahane are not here at the moment but they can come back. So, only Ash won’t be there because he has officially announced his retirement. Rohit said.
Rohit Sharma press conference: On Ashwin, Gabba draw and his form
Earlier, Ashwin retired as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 matches.
“I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,” Ashwin said in the joint press conference with captain Rohit.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophythe 38-year-old played the day-night Test in Adelaide and picked up one wicket.
“He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants,” said Rohit on Ashwin.
During the fifth day of the Test, Ashwin was also seen sharing an emotional moment with star batsman Virat Kohli in the dressing room hours before the announcement.