Published By: Admin

Rohit Sharma to Come out of Retirement? Four Global Athletes Who Reversed Their Decisions

For the record, Sharma retired from T20I cricket after India lifted the T20I World Cup 2024 on June 29.

The Indian cricket fans went into a frenzy as India's former T20I World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma hinted at a possible comeback in the T20I format. Ahead of India vs. Sri Lanka's first ODI at Colombo, Sharma said, "This is what I feel like till now. I felt like I've been rested for the T20s, like it used to happen earlier and there will be a big tournament coming up and we have to get ready to T20s again. Still feel it is like that. So I don't think I'm completely out of the format."

Since then, several users on social media X have voiced their opinions. One of the posts read, "Don't be surprised if Rohit Sharma is leading the team India in the 2026 T20 World Cup," whereas another wrote, "Biggest U-turn loading."

Well, it is certainly not possible to foresee if Sharma will return to the T20I format or if he will lead India in the next T20I World Cup, given Suryakumar Yadav is the new man at the helm. However, this moment gives us an opportunity to recall the times when some of the most famous athletes in the world came out of retirement.

The biggest comeback ever

The biggest comeback in the history of any sport has to be Lionel Messi's. What a story it has been! Losing the World Cup final in 2014, followed by two Copa America final defeats in 2015 and 2016, left Messi with a teary red face in front of the whole world. The Atomic Flea said goodbye to international football, but the requests of Argentine fans and the nation's football association brought him back for a second international stint. Since coming back, Messi has won the World Cup, the Finalissima and two Copa Americas.

Phelp's perfect farewell

American swimmer Michael Phelps needs no introduction, as the world is aware of his 28 Olympic medals record—23 gold, three silver, and two bronze. However, many may not be aware that Phelps announced his retirement from the sport after the London Olympics 2012. However, he returned to the sport and participated in the Rio Olympics 2016, winning five medals. Taking his total tally to 28, he bid goodbye again after the tournament.

Schumacher's brief stint

Former seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher hanged his racing helmet in 2006. However, his hunger for speed did not end, and he made a comeback with Mercedes in 2010 and remained with the team till 2012. In his comeback seasons, he failed to recreate his magic behind the wheels and bid goodbye to the sport, hoping to finally enjoy his retirement. Fate, however, had a different plan for Schumi as he met with an accident in 2013 and slipped into a coma. Since then, his whereabouts are unknown, and he has never made a public appearance.

Jordan's shocking decision at 30

At the peak of his career, Michael Jordan shocked the world by announcing his retirement at the age of 30 in 1993. Jordan explained the decision by stating that he had lost his sense of motivation. Two years later, he made his comeback with a two-word iconic fax that read, "I'm back." Three championships later with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan finally hung his basketball boots in 2003.