Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket is uncertain after India selectors told him he is no longer in the plans. According to a report by Cricinfo, the selectors had told Rohit before the ongoing ODI series in England that they would give opportunities to young openers before the World Cup.
The experienced opening batsman had a sluggish performance in the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where he scored 26 runs from 47 balls. The Harry Brook-led hosts won to level the three-match series 1-1. It is noteworthy that the upcoming third match could be Rohit’s last match for India.
Ajit Agarkar led selection committee left the decision to Rohit Sharma
According to Cricinfo, the selection committee has left it up to Rohit Sharma to decide on the right time for his international departure. The selectors have revealed their long-term roadmap. Rohit has not yet informed the BCCI, selectors or the team management whether Lord’s ODI will be his last match or not.
“Cricinfo has learned that the selectors have spoken to the 39-year-old Rohit ahead of the ongoing ODI series in England with a view to providing opportunities to the young opening batsman keeping in mind the upcoming ICC event in Africa,” the report said.
In consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, discussions began on changes and planning during the IPL 2026 season. The veteran batsman recently became the oldest male cricketer to represent India in an ODI during the June series against Afghanistan in Dharamshala.
In October 2025, just months after Rohit led India to the Champions Trophy title, the selectors replaced him with Shubman Gill as the ODI captain.
Experience and skill… – Shubman Gill supports the experienced pair
Ahead of the ODI series in England, India captain Shubman Gill defended the senior players in the team. Gill stressed that the experienced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain the backbone of India’s batting lineup due to their vast experience in international cricket.
“The experience and skill he brings to the team is obviously very valuable. We’ve seen what he’s done over the last decade in different situations, in multiple matches in a row, different tournaments, different occasions.”
According to The Indian Express, the selection committee wants to support a young batsman at the top of the order. Young left-handed opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal, who recently scored a century against Afghanistan, is being considered as the long-term successor to Gill’s partner at the top of the order.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI legacy amid retirement speculations
Rohit Sharma now plays only ODI cricket for India. The 39-year-old retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win and moves away from Test cricket in May 2025. He is the seventh-highest run-scorer in ODI history with 11,757 runs at an average of 48.58.
The opening batsman holds the record for the highest individual ODI score of 264 and is the only batsman to score three double centuries in this format. Rohit scored a record five centuries during the 2019 World Cup but never lifted the trophy. He missed selection in 2011 and was runner-up in 2023.
The BCCI has officially dismissed reports which claimed that Sunday’s match at Lord’s will be his final appearance for India. However, Rohit’s recent performances have increased speculation about his international future.
