Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed Rohit Sharma wants to keep playing at the top level amid retirement rumors. Pathan recently had a long conversation with India’s ODI captain and Rohit told Pathan that he would continue playing in the 50-overs format.

As per the reports, Rohit has shed some weight and has successfully cleared the Yo-Yo and Bronco Test at the NCA, Bengaluru. Rohit last played for India in the Champions Trophy, when he led the team to glory.

Subsequently, Rohit last played in IPL 2025 and scored 418 runs in 15 matches at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 149.28. Rohit also decided to call time on his Test career on May 7.

“I’ve been following those fitness tests, I’ve been watching the pictures and hearing things as well. This new test is obviously not easy as well, so if you are able to clear it, then your fitness is top notch. I had a long call with him just to know about his future plans, so he is very keen, he wants to make sure that he continues playing,” Irfan Pathan said in a special interaction organized by Sony Sports Network.

“Obviously every player wants to, but especially this guy, who has done really well. He has been a fantastic leader, he has been outstanding when it comes to doing well in white-ball cricket. He wants to continue as a player, he wants to leave a mark going forward,” Pathan added.

Pathan said as long as the player is fit, the age doesn’t matter. Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77.

“As long as the player is fit, the age does not matter. The challenge for him will be to have game time. Because there will be lot of gaps, in terms of playing ODIs. I don’t think so, there will be any issues with motivation because it is a matter of playing for India. Whether it be Rohit, Virat, or Mohammad Shami as well,” Irfan Pathan concluded.

Rohit will be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia.