Rohit Sharma: Single-minded focus and awaiting a title high

Rohit Sharma is at a juncture in his career where retirement talk follows him to every global event.

- Rasesh Mandani

He would have been quizzed about it in the customary pre-match press meet ahead of Sunday's Champions Trophy final too. But the India skipper chose to give it a miss, deputing vice-captain Shubman Gill instead. "He hasn't told me anything. There's been no discussion in the dressing room," Gill said when quizzed on the eve of the New Zealand clash. "I don't think Rohit would be thinking about it ahead of the final. He will think after the match." Rohit, 37, spent Saturday afternoon examining the pitch and discussing strategy with head coach Gautam Gambhir. He then entered the net at the nearby academy ground, fine-tuning his hitting range.

Most of Rohit's recent net sessions have been about looking to clear the inner field. That's also how he practised on Friday evening. The opener asked Washington Sundar to pitch it short of a good length. He then attacked, using his feet, just in case spinners Michael Bracewell or Glenn Philips are summoned to bowl early.