Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket is uncertain after India's selectors told him he is no longer in the scheme of things. According to a report by Cricinfo, the selectors told Rohit, before the ongoing ODI series in England, that they would be providing opportunities to younger openers ahead of the World Cup.
The veteran opener played a sluggish performance in the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where he scored 26 off 47 balls. The Harry Brook-led host side secured a victory to level the three-match series 1-1. Notably, the upcoming third match might be Rohit's final match for India.
Ajit Agarkar-Led Selection Committee Leaves Decision To Rohit Sharma
According to Cricinfo, the selection committee has left the decision on the exact timing of Rohit Sharma's international departure to him. The selectors have communicated their long-term roadmap. Rohit has not yet informed the BCCI, selectors, or team management whether the Lord's ODI will be his final game.
"Cricinfo has learned that the selectors spoke to Rohit, 39, before the ongoing ODI series in England that they would be providing opportunities to younger openers going forward with an eye on the coming ICC event in Africa," the report read.
Transitions and planning discussions commenced during the IPL 2026 season, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The veteran batter recently became the oldest male cricketer to represent India in an ODI during the June series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala.
The selectors replaced him with Shubman Gill as the ODI captain in October 2025, just months after Rohit guided India to the Champions Trophy title.
The Experience And The Skill… - Shubman Gill Backs Veteran Duo
Ahead of the ODI series in England, India captain Shubman Gill defended the senior players in the squad. Gill emphasized that veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain the backbone of India's batting lineup because of their vast experience in international cricket.
"The experience and the skill that they bring to the team is obviously very valuable. We have seen what they have done over the past decade in different conditions repetitively, consistently in a number of matches, different tournaments, different occasions."
According to The Indian Express, the selection committee wants to back a young batter in the top order. Young left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who recently smashed a century against Afghanistan, is being considered as the long-term successor to partner Gill at the top of the order.
Rohit Sharma's ODI Legacy Amid Retirement Speculation
Rohit Sharma now plays only ODI cricket for India. The 39-year-old retired from T20Is after India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and stepped away from Test cricket in May 2025. He is the seventh-highest run-scorer in ODI history, with 11,757 runs at an average of 48.58.
The opener holds the record for the highest individual ODI score of 264 and is the only batter to score three double-centuries in the format. Rohit smashed a record five centuries during the 2019 World Cup but never lifted the trophy. He missed selection in 2011 and finished as a runner-up in 2023.
The BCCI has officially dismissed reports claiming Sunday's match at Lord's will be his final appearance for India. However, Rohit's recent performances have sparked speculations about his international future.
