Rohit Sharma’s international future uncertain after Lord’s ODI

By Arjun Sharma — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

Uncertainty Surrounds Rohit Sharma’s Selection

Rohit Sharma’s international career faces uncertainty following his performance in the second ODI against England in Cardiff. After scoring 26 runs off 47 balls, reports suggest he may no longer be considered the primary choice for the opening position after the current series.

The third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday could potentially mark the 39-year-old’s final appearance for India. The selection committee is reportedly looking to transition towards younger players, particularly with the ODI World Cup in South Africa scheduled for October-November 2027.

Sources indicate that the team management and selectors have communicated their views regarding Rohit to the Indian cricket board (BCCI). There is speculation about whether the board will engage with Rohit directly or if the selectors will address the matter with him.

Selectors Prioritise Future Talent

The selection committee has reportedly decided that Rohit will not be the first-choice opener after the series concludes. This decision aligns with a broader strategy to give younger players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, an extended opportunity to prepare for upcoming tournaments like the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The team management and selectors had previously considered giving Jaiswal a full series in England. However, they opted to retain Rohit to provide him with another chance to regain his form. The selectors had reportedly considered dropping Rohit after the ODI series against Afghanistan last month.

During the Afghanistan series, Rohit declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai, which led to Shubman Gill batting at number three to accommodate Jaiswal. The team management has expressed dissatisfaction with Rohit’s performances since Gill took over as ODI captain after the Champions Trophy in March 2025.

Concerns about Rohit’s fitness and his ability to continue until the World Cup, when he would be over 40 years of age, were reportedly raised with the BCCI before the team selection for the Afghanistan series.

Performance and Approach Under Scrutiny

Rohit’s batting approach has reportedly changed significantly since the Champions Trophy, becoming more cautious. The team management believes he requires three games to find his rhythm in a series. His limited participation in domestic cricket, including only two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one of which was against Sikkim, has also been noted.

In his last eight ODIs, Rohit has accumulated 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike-rate of 88.6, with one half-century. While Virat Kohli remains a key part of India’s plans due to his form and fitness, Rohit’s future selection is not considered automatic.

The chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, who is in Cardiff as the touring selector, is reportedly not considering the double ICC trophy-winning India skipper for next year’s ODI World Cup. It is understood that the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir are aligned on this approach, with a focus on giving Jaiswal significant game time.

Sources suggest that Rohit’s future decision regarding retirement will play a role, as the selectors intend to look ahead for the home series against West Indies in September.

The selection committee and Rohit were reportedly not in agreement regarding his Test retirement. While some sources indicated the committee did not want him to decide after playing only two of the five Tests in England, others close to Rohit maintained he had made himself available for the entire series.

The third ODI between India and England is scheduled for Sunday at Lord’s.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Arjun Sharma

Sports Reporter