The third One Day International (ODI) between India and England at Lord’s on July 19 could mark the final international appearance for Rohit Sharma. Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee intends to move forward without him after the current series concludes.
The selection panel reportedly held discussions with Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir last week to outline their future vision. The committee is understood to be focused on providing an extended opportunity to Yashasvi Jaiswal, indicating that Sharma may not be part of their long-term plans leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Selectors look to the future
A source within the Indian board confirmed that selectors communicated to Rohit Sharma that his future beyond the England tour was not included in their planning, despite his expressed desire to continue playing and his focus on fitness. The decision regarding his next steps has reportedly been left to Sharma.
However, reports indicate that Sharma raised concerns directly with some BCCI officials during the ongoing series, expressing dissatisfaction with how the decision was communicated. This potential ODI exit would follow his earlier retirements from other formats.
Sharma’s recent performance with the bat has not bolstered his case for an extension. He scored 11 runs in the first ODI and a laboured 26 off 47 balls in the second ODI at Cardiff. His innings at Cardiff was particularly slow for his career, managing only one six before being dismissed by Will Jacks.
The ODI captaincy was transferred to Shubman Gill last year, signalling the BCCI’s intention for a generational shift ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is currently in Cardiff as the touring selector, and it appears the committee is not considering Sharma for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
National selectors are reportedly keen to give Yashasvi Jaiswal a longer opportunity, especially after he scored two centuries in three innings. A senior BCCI source indicated that while no one can compel Rohit to retire, the selectors intend to look ahead for the home series against West Indies in September, with Sharma’s future decision resting with him.
Transition plans gather pace
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar are reportedly in agreement that Virat Kohli remains an automatic selection due to his form and fitness, but not Rohit Sharma. It is understood that if Sharma were to continue beyond the England tour, it would limit playing time for Jaiswal, who is next in line.
There were differing views between the selection committee and Rohit Sharma regarding his Test retirement. Sources close to the selection committee maintained they did not want Sharma to decide after playing only two of the five Tests in England, while those familiar with Sharma’s perspective stated he intended to play the entire series.
Ending a distinguished career is often complex, especially for a player who has significantly impacted India’s white-ball batting and led the team to multiple ICC trophies as captain. However, cricket often prioritises long-term clarity for a World Cup cycle, with selectors focusing on future stability over short-term loyalty.
Sharma’s recent declining strike rate and hesitant strokeplay suggest that this decision, though emotionally challenging, is based on cricketing logic rather than solely age. If the Lord’s ODI does become his final match, it would be a notable setting for a player whose legacy in the format is considerable.
In his last eight ODIs, Rohit Sharma has accumulated 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, including one half-century.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
