Former India captain Rohit Sharma may be approaching the final match of his international career, according to a report by The Times of India. The selection committee has reportedly decided that Rohit will no longer be India's first-choice opener after the ongoing three-match series, which concludes at Lord's.
India suffered a setback in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16, as they were bowled out for 233. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer smashed half-centuries, while Rohit managed just 26 off 47 balls, while the Harry Brook-led side levelled the three-match series 1-1 with a comfortable victory.
Why India Wants Yashasvi Jaiswal as an Opener
According to The Times of India, the team management and selectors wanted to give Yashasvi Jaiswal a longer run as an opener to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The report also quoted an unnamed senior BCCI official, who claimed that the selectors had already decided to move on from Rohit after the ODI series against Afghanistan.
"The selectors had made up their minds to drop him after the ODI series against Afghanistan at home last month. Rohit also declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai to give Jaiswal a look in. Eventually, captain Shubman Gill had to bat at No. 3 to accommodate Jaiswal," the official said, according to The Times of India.
Why Rohit Sharma Could Lose His ODI Spot
The team management has serious concerns about Rohit Sharma's fitness and whether he can continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup, when he will be over 40. Since retiring from Tests and T20Is, Rohit's limited domestic cricket has reportedly affected his batting rhythm.
The BCCI official said that playing very little domestic cricket has made it difficult for Rohit to regain his rhythm at the international level. The source added that the selectors have shared their views, and the final decision now rests with Rohit and the BCCI.
"It was always going to be a challenge for Rohit since he retired from the other two formats. He also plays very little domestic cricket. He turned up for two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one of which was against Sikkim. He needs more time to find his rhythm. The selectors have conveyed their opinion. Now, it's up to Rohit and the board to decide how they want to go ahead with it," the source said.
Rohit Sharma Faces Uncertain Future Ahead of Lord's ODI
The third ODI between India and England at Lord's on Sunday, July 19, could be the final international match of Rohit Sharma. The veteran opener retired from T20Is after India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, while he played his last Test during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Rohit Sharma has struggled to produce consistent performances in ODIs this year despite receiving several opportunities. After returning from a break following India's 2025 Champions Trophy victory, he showed signs of form in the ODI series against Australia and South Africa.
However, his returns have dipped in 2026, with just one half-century in eight innings. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal has strengthened his claim for the opening spot by scoring two centuries in his last three ODI innings. All eyes will now be on Rohit as he looks to finish on a high at Lord's.
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