Rohit Sharma's lean run with the bat has once again brought his ODI future under scrutiny after the India opener managed just 26 runs in the second ODI against England on Thursday.
Questions over Rohit's place in India's long-term plans had already surfaced when the squad for the England series was announced. With preparations gradually shifting towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, there has been increasing speculation over whether the 39-year-old will remain part of the team's plans. The presence of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is waiting for a sustained opportunity, has further intensified the debate.
After scoring 11 in the opening ODI in Birmingham, Rohit struggled to find fluency in Cardiff. He eventually made 26 from 47 deliveries, surviving a few anxious moments during his stay at the crease.
Following the innings, a PTI report stated that the third and final ODI against England on July 19 could potentially be Rohit's final appearance in the 50-over format. Across his last eight ODIs, the veteran has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, with one half-century.
"The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored two hundreds in three innings, gets a longer rope. There are around 20 games, and Jaiswal needs to be given those 20 games. No one can tell Rohit to retire, but it is very clear that, going forward, for the home series vs West Indies in September, the selectors would like to look ahead. Rohit's future is a decision that he needs to take," a senior BCCI source privy to selection matters told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, is accompanying the team in Cardiff as the touring selector. According to the PTI report, the selection panel no longer views the two-time ICC Trophy-winning India captain as part of its plans for next year's ODI World Cup. It further claimed that head coach Gautam Gambhir has been informed of the selectors' decision.
A separate report by The Indian Express also claimed that the BCCI selection committee has communicated to Rohit that it intends to move on after the England series.
"Selectors have informed Rohit he is not in their scheme of things post the England tour, and they are moving on from him after this series. Though he wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness, the selectors have left the ball in Sharma's court to decide his future," the report quoted a source as saying.
According to the same report, Rohit held discussions with BCCI officials during the England tour and was dissatisfied following those conversations.
The report further stated that Gambhir and Agarkar are aligned in their view that Virat Kohli remains an automatic selection because of his form and fitness, whereas the same does not apply to Rohit. It is understood that extending Rohit's ODI career beyond the England series would significantly reduce the opportunities available to Jaiswal, who is next in line for a regular opening role.
The reports also pointed to earlier differences between Rohit and the selection committee regarding his retirement from Test cricket.
While sources close to the selectors maintained that they did not want Rohit to announce his Test retirement after featuring in only two of the five Tests in England, those familiar with the batter's position insisted that he had intended to make himself available for the entire series and had never planned to play only two matches.
Also Read | Joe Root Left Unbeaten on 99 as England Beat India by Four Wickets
Also Read | "No doubt Messi is the greatest": Lionel Scaloni Declares GOAT Debate Settled
