Former India captain Rohit Sharma is likely to end his ODI career after two national selectors reportedly informed him over the phone that he was no longer part of the team's future plans. The 39-year-old batter was reportedly told that the selection committee had decided to move forward without him.
India, led by Shubman Gill, will face England, led by Harry Brook, in the third and final ODI at Lord's on Sunday, July 19. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after India's defeat in Cardiff. India won the opening match by six wickets while chasing 259. England bounced back with a four-wicket win in Cardiff.
Two Selectors Inform Rohit Sharma Over a Phone Call
Journalist Nitin Srivastav from Sports Tak stated that the selection panel communicated their plans to Rohit Sharma. Srivastav said that the interaction was through a phone call between the first two matches of the ongoing series in England.
"The selectors called Rohit Sharma. I won't reveal the exact dates, but it happened during the series. Two selectors called him between the first and second ODIs. Both told him that this was the situation and that they were moving forward without him. That was the end of the discussion."
"The news came on the 16th that Rohit Sharma's third match would be his last. Why? Because by then, the selectors had already informed him. They told Rohit Sharma between the 14th and the 16th that they no longer saw him in their plans."
"After that, it was entirely Rohit's decision whether to announce his retirement or not. Nobody can force him."
Abhishek Tripathi Backs Reports on Rohit Sharma's ODI Future
Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi confirmed reports about the board management's plans regarding Rohit's retirement. Tripathi reacted to the video and wrote "True" on social media.
True.. https://t.co/BRMEsZq5VT
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) July 18, 2026
Earlier, The Indian Express reported that the team management had decided to move on from Rohit in the ODI format. Rohit has struggled for rhythm throughout the 2026 calendar year.
The right-handed batter has looked scratchy at the top of the order, scoring 37 runs across the opening two games against England. In 2026, he scored 241 runs in eight innings at an average of 30.13 and a strike rate of 88.60, including one half-century.
Selectors Back Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rohit Sharma's Successor
According to The Times of India, the selection committee wanted to give young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal a chance in England. The report said Rohit had declined a request to rest during the home ODI series against Afghanistan. Captain Shubman Gill had to bat at No. 3 to include Jaiswal.
The selectors later gave Rohit one final tour to regain form. However, he recorded scores of 11 in Birmingham and 26 in Cardiff. The management now wants to give Jaiswal a long run ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The final ODI at Lord's has gained added significance after reports claimed that Rohit's parents, Gurunath Sharma and Purnima Sharma, had arrived in London.
They are expected to watch what could be their son's final international match. Meanwhile, Rohit was seen in a relaxed mood with head coach Gautam Gambhir during the team's practice session.
