Speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future gathered pace during India’s ongoing series against England, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now addressed the reports.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed claims that Sunday’s third ODI against England at Lord’s will be Rohit Sharma’s final appearance in the format for India. His statement comes after reports suggested the veteran opener had been informed that he was no longer part of the team’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

BCCI clarifies Rohit Sharma’s ODI future

Rumours about Rohit’s retirement surfaced during the second ODI between India and England on Thursday. Reports claimed that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had communicated to the 39-year-old that the team management wanted to move in a new direction with younger opening options alongside Shubman Gill.

Rumours about Rohit’s retirement surfaced during the second ODI between India and England on Thursday. Reports claimed that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had communicated to the 39-year-old that the team management wanted to move in a new direction with younger opening options alongside Shubman Gill.

The reports also suggested Rohit could announce his retirement from ODI cricket, similar to the decision he made regarding Test cricket in 2025.

However, Saikia has firmly denied those claims. “There are a lot of speculations going on in the media about Rohit Sharma’s future,” Saikia told PTI. “I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday. Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” he added. 

Reports claimed Rohit was not ready to retire

The reports further stated that Rohit was not considering retirement despite the alleged discussions about the team’s long-term plans. It was also claimed that the India captain had approached BCCI officials after learning about the reported decision regarding his future.

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Saikia’s latest comments, however, indicate that no official discussion has taken place about Sunday’s match being Rohit’s farewell appearance.

Rohit Sharma’s recent form in ODI cricket

Rohit’s performances in 2026 have not matched the high standards he has set over the years. The experienced opener has registered only one half-century in eight ODI appearances this year, with injuries affecting his rhythm during the season.

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Despite that dip in form, Rohit remained one of India’s most consistent ODI batters over the previous three years. His leadership also played a key role in India’s recent success, including the team’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma
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Rohit Sharma | X [Cricbuzz]

The veteran batter has also worked on improving his fitness with the goal of remaining available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The final decision still rests with the BCCI

While India’s selectors and coaching staff are responsible for planning the team’s future, decisions involving senior players often involve the BCCI as well. Saikia’s public statement suggests that reports about Rohit’s immediate exit from ODI cricket do not reflect the board’s current position.

As things stand, the experienced opener continues to remain part of India’s ODI setup, and there has been no confirmation that the third ODI at Lord’s will mark the end of his international career in the format.

With India preparing for the series finale against England, Rohit’s future remains a major talking point. However, based on the BCCI’s latest clarification, the veteran batter is expected to continue representing India in ODIs for as long as he remains part of the team’s plans.

FAQs

Is Rohit Sharma retiring after the Lord’s ODI?

No. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said there has been no discussion about the Lord’s ODI being Rohit Sharma’s last match for India.

Why were there retirement rumours around Rohit Sharma?

Reports claimed Rohit was no longer in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the BCCI has denied any such decision.