Rohit Sharma’s future in ODI cricket has once again become a major talking point after another modest outing in the ongoing England series. The veteran opener managed just 26 runs in the second ODI on Thursday, a knock that did little to silence the growing speculation surrounding his place in India’s plans ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With the selectors looking toward the future and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting for an extended opportunity, reports now suggest that the final ODI against England on July 19 could be Rohit’s last appearance in the format.

Rohit Sharma
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Rohit Sharma during India’s 2nd ODI against England | X [BCCI]

Rohit Sharma’s form raises fresh questions

The debate over Rohit’s ODI future had already started when India’s squad for the England tour was announced. At 39, the former India captain faces increasing scrutiny as the team begins planning for the next World Cup cycle.

Rohit scored only 11 in the opening ODI at Birmingham before making 26 off 47 deliveries in the second match. Although he survived a few chances during his innings, he never looked fully in control.

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His recent numbers also reflect a dip in form. Across his last eight ODI innings, Rohit has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.1 with a strike rate of 88.6, including one half-century.

Selectors keen to give Jaiswal a longer run

According to a PTI report, India’s selectors are eager to hand Yashasvi Jaiswal a consistent run in the ODI side, with around 20 matches expected before the next major ICC event.

A senior BCCI source said, “The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored two hundreds in three innings, gets a longer rope. There are around 20 games, and Jaiswal needs to be given those 20 games. No one can tell Rohit to retire, but it is very clear that, going forward, for the home series vs West Indies in September, the selectors would like to look ahead. Rohit’s future is a decision that he needs to take.”

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The report also stated that chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is with the team in Cardiff as the touring selector, and the selection panel is not considering Rohit for next year’s ODI World Cup plans.

Report claims BCCI has left the final call to Rohit

A separate report by The Indian Express claimed that the selectors have already communicated their plans to Rohit Sharma.

According to the report, “selectors have informed Rohit he is not in their scheme of things post the England tour, and they are moving on from him after this series. Though he wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness, the selectors have left the ball in Sharma’s court to decide his future.”

The same report added that Rohit held discussions with BCCI officials during the England tour and was unhappy following those conversations.

Gambhir and Agarkar reportedly share the same view

The report further stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are aligned on the team’s direction. While Virat Kohli reportedly remains an automatic choice because of his current form and fitness, the same does not apply to Rohit. It also noted that continuing with Rohit beyond the England series would limit Jaiswal’s chances to gain valuable ODI experience before the team’s next major assignment.

Another point highlighted in the report relates to Rohit’s Test retirement. It said the selection committee and the veteran opener were not fully aligned on how that decision unfolded. While sources close to the selectors maintained that they did not want Rohit to retire after only two Tests in England, people familiar with Rohit’s position insisted that he had made himself available for the entire five-match series.

FAQs

Is Rohit Sharma retiring from ODI cricket?

There is no official confirmation yet, but reports claim the third ODI against England could be Rohit Sharma’s final match in the format

Why is Rohit Sharma’s ODI future being questioned?

Reports suggest the selectors want to give Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended run as India begins planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.