The third One Day International (ODI) at Lord’s on Sunday could potentially be Rohit Sharma‘s last international match. Reports indicate that the selection committee is preparing to move past the veteran opener as they look towards the future of Indian cricket.
Sharma‘s recent performance has been under scrutiny, particularly after scoring 26 runs off 47 balls in the second ODI against England in Cardiff. This knock contributed to concerns regarding his form, which has reportedly been inconsistent since he replaced Shubman Gill as the ODI captain following the Champions Trophy in March 2025.
Selectors Eyeing Future Talent
The selection committee has reportedly decided that Sharma will not be the primary choice for the opening position after the current series concludes. This decision aligns with a broader strategy to integrate younger players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, into the squad with a view to the ODI World Cup in South Africa scheduled for October-November 2027.
Sources suggest that the team management and selectors had initially intended to give Jaiswal a full series in England. However, they opted to retain Sharma to provide him with an additional opportunity to regain his form and rhythm. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been informed of the selection committee’s and team management’s perspectives on Sharma‘s future.
A BCCI source indicated that selectors had considered dropping Sharma after the ODI series against Afghanistan last month. During that series, Sharma reportedly declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai, which would have allowed Jaiswal to play. To accommodate Jaiswal, captain Shubman Gill had to bat at number 3.
Sharma‘s batting approach has reportedly shifted significantly since the Champions Trophy, becoming more cautious. The team management believes he requires approximately three games to settle into a series. His limited participation in domestic cricket, including only two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one against Sikkim, has also been noted as a factor affecting his rhythm.
Performance and Future Considerations
In his last eight ODIs, Sharma has accumulated 241 runs at an average of 30.1, with a strike-rate of 88.6, including one half-century. This statistical overview contributes to the selectors’ assessment of his current standing.
The chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, who is currently in Cardiff as the touring selector, is reportedly not considering the 39-year-old for the upcoming ODI World Cup next year. Both Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir are reportedly aligned on the decision to prioritise Virat Kohli due to his consistent form and fitness, while Sharma‘s position is less secure.
The national selectors are reportedly keen to provide Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored two centuries in three innings, with an extended run in the team. They believe Jaiswal needs around 20 games to develop. While no one can compel Sharma to retire, it is understood that the selectors intend to look towards new talent for the home series against the West Indies in September.
The decision regarding Sharma‘s future is expected to be his own, rather than a formal selection exclusion. There have also been reports of differing views between the selection committee and Sharma regarding his Test retirement. Sources close to the selection committee maintained that they did not want Sharma to decide after playing two of the five Tests in England, while those familiar with Sharma‘s perspective stated he intended to be available for the entire series.
The match on Sunday at Lord’s could be the 39-year-old‘s final appearance for India, marking a significant moment in the team’s transition phase.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
