Reports suggest the third ODI against England at Lord’s could mark Rohit Sharma’s final appearance in India’s ODI setup as selectors look toward the 2027 World Cup.
Veteran opener Rohit Sharma could be set to play his final One-Day International for India when the team faces England in the third and final ODI at Lord’s on July 19, according to multiple media reports.
The reports claim India’s selection committee has informed the 39-year-old that it intends to move forward with a younger ODI squad after the England series, although neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor Rohit Sharma has officially confirmed the development.
Selectors Reportedly Planning for 2027 World Cup
According to reports, the selection committee, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, recently held discussions with Rohit regarding the team’s long-term plans.
The selectors are reportedly keen to build the ODI side around younger players, with names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to feature more prominently in the next World Cup cycle. Reports also suggest Rohit is not part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While the reports indicate the selectors have left the final decision on retirement to Rohit, they have reportedly communicated that the team intends to move in a new direction.
A Career Already Entering Its Final Chapter
Rohit has already stepped away from two international formats in recent years.
He retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and later announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s 2025 tour of England.
If the reports prove accurate, the Lord’s ODI would mark the end of an international career that established Rohit as one of India’s greatest white-ball batters.
Recent Form Under Audit
Rohit’s recent ODI performances have come under increasing scrutiny.
In the ongoing England series, he scored 11 in the opening ODI before making 26 in the second match. Earlier this year, he registered scores of 79, 48, and 16 during India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan.
His performances, along with fitness concerns and a difficult IPL campaign, have fueled speculation about his international future.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Despite widespread reports, neither the BCCI nor Rohit Sharma has made any official announcement regarding his retirement or future in ODI cricket.
For now, the focus remains on the series decider at Lord’s, where India and England will contest the final match of the three-game ODI series.
Source: Gulf News
