Former India captain Rohit Sharma could be playing his final international match during the upcoming third ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday, July 19. There have been speculations over his future in the format after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) begins planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The Men in Blue suffered a major setback in the second ODI, collapsing from 178/3 to 233 all out. The Harry Brook-led England side chased down the target comfortably with six overs to spare, registering a four-wicket victory. The visitors must now win the third and final ODI at Lord's to clinch the series.
Rohit Sharma Unhappy After BCCI Communicates ODI Exit Decision
According to reports from The Indian Express, PTI, and IANS, Rohit Sharma met with BCCI officials and head coach Gautam Gambhir last week to discuss his future. The former captain was reportedly left unhappy with the selection panel's decision to move on from him following the ongoing series in England.
The selection committee is shifting focus toward younger openers ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Africa, when Rohit will be over 40. A senior BCCI official confirmed to IANS that while the final call on a formal retirement rests with Rohit, the selectors will not pick him for future series.
"The selectors have decided that henceforth they will not select Rohit Sharma in ODIs. If he wants to bow out gracefully or chooses not to call it a day immediately, that is entirely his personal decision. However, the message is clear: the selectors will not pick him for ODIs after the game at Lord's on Sunday," a BCCI source told IANS on Thursday.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Set to Replace Struggling Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been struggling with the bat in 2026. The 39-year-old has managed just one half-century across eight ODI innings this calendar year. He recorded scores of 11 and 26 in the ongoing series while struggling to find his boundary-hitting fluency at the top of the order.
Young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has been waiting for his opportunity. The left-handed batter has smashed two centuries in his last three ODI appearances. The selection committee wants to give him an extended run alongside captain Shubman Gill in the 50-over format.
Rohit already retired from Test cricket in May 2025 and T20Is following India's World Cup victory in 2024. His limited participation in competitive fixtures has impacted his match rhythm. The upcoming decider at Lord's will provide the legendary opener one final opportunity to sign off on a high note.
Sitanshu Kotak Denies Pressure Ahead of Rohit Sharma's Potential Farewell ODI
Speaking during the post-match press conference in Cardiff, Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak denied claims that Rohit Sharma is being pressured by the management or selectors into announcing his retirement from international cricket.
Rohit has amassed 11,757 runs in 287 matches at an average of 48.58 and a strike rate of 92.77. He has smashed 33 centuries and 62 half-centuries with a best score of 264 against Sri Lanka.
The right-handed batter led India in 56 ODIs, guiding the national team to an unbeaten run to the 2023 World Cup final and leading them to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title in the UAE. All eyes will be on the third ODI amid doubts over Rohit's future.
