Former Team India captain Rohit Sharma silenced his critics with a brilliant century in the third and final ODI against England at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. The knock came amid speculation about his international retirement, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissed before the match.
India, led by Shubman Gill, lost the series decider by 27 runs on Sunday, July 19, after failing to chase England's 387-run target. The defeat completed a disappointing tour of the United Kingdom. They had taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but lost the two consecutive matches against England.
Rohit Sharma Set to Play Bangladesh ODI Series - Report
Following India's tour of England, sports journalist Vaibhav Bhola stated that Rohit Sharma will play in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. Citing a top BCCI source, Bhola posted:
"BIG BREAKING NEWS. ROHIT SHARMA WILL PLAY BANGLADESH ODI SERIES. TOP BCCI Source Has Confirmed Me."
📍BIG BREAKING NEWS 📍
— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) July 22, 2026
ROHIT SHARMA WILL PLAY BANGLADESH ODI SERIES.
TOP BCCI Source Has Confirmed Me. pic.twitter.com/VwVtesamxn
Rohit scored 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI at a strike rate of 125.45. He also shared a 147-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill.
Notably, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed speculation over Rohit's ODI future. He said that the board has not held any discussions about Rohit's retirement and confirmed that the former India captain remains an important part of the team's plans.
In 2026, Rohit has scored 379 runs in nine matches at an average of 42.11 and a strike rate of 99.21, with one century and one half-century. Overall, he has scored 11,895 runs in 280 innings at an average of 48.95 and a strike rate of 93.04, including 34 centuries and 62 half-centuries.
Bangladesh Tour Uncertain Despite Positive Signs
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had announced earlier this year that it planned to host India for three ODIs and three T20Is in August-September 2026. The tour was originally scheduled for 2025 but was postponed because of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh was strained during the Yunus-led government. They withdrew from the last T20 World Cup in India, citing security concerns. Bangladesh's Sports Ministry later formed a committee to investigate the reasons behind the withdrawal.
The BCB recently put the television and media rights for the tour up for sale. India's tour of Sri Lanka in August also does not include T20Is, leaving a possible window for the Bangladesh tour.
India's Next Confirmed Assignment Is Against the West Indies
India's next confirmed assignment is a three-match home ODI series against the West Indies. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not expected to play for the Men in Blue over the next two months. They are set to return when the series begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram.
The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, while the third and final match is scheduled for October 3 in New Chandigarh. The series will be India's first ODI assignment after the tour of England.
The West Indies series will play an important role in India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. India will then host the West Indies in a five-match T20I series.
