Rohit Sharma's future in ODI form has come under pressure as he continues the series against England with a poor performance in the ongoing three-match series. The veteran opener managed only 26 runs in the second ODI on Thursday and the limited overs game in the past few days has raised the possibility that his international one-day career is likely to be over.
Questions about Rohit’s place in the team had already emerged when India’s squad for the England series was announced. When considering the 2027 ODI World Cup is still almost two years away and selectors want to create a younger core, Rohit’s long term future has once again become a topic of debate. Yashasvi Jaiswal has only added to the selection dilemma.
Rohit struggled to find his rhythm again in the second match after he scored only 11 runs in the opening ODI at Birmingham. His 26-run knock in 47 balls was a product of a few lucky escapes but could not silence concerns about his recent form.
In the third and final ODI against England on July 19 could be Rohit's last appearance as an ODI for India in this format. At the same time, a senior BCCI source says he thinks the team selectors are keen to give Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended run in the ODI side.
"The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal gets a longer rope. There are around 20 ODIs before the next World Cup, and Jaiswal needs those games. No one can tell Rohit to retire, but it is clear that for the home series against West Indies in September, the selectors want to look ahead. Rohit's future is now a decision he has to make," the source told PTI.
Selectors Looking Ahead to 2027 World Cup
India has about 20 ODI matches scheduled before the 2027 World Cup and the selection committee has ambitions of taking that period to prepare for future players. Jaiswal, who has scored two centuries in three innings recently, is part of the future plans.
Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, is currently with the Indian team in Cardiff as the touring selector. There are reports that the selection panel no longer sees Rohit as part of India's plans for the next ODI World Cup, and head coach Gautam Gambhir has also been informed of the direction the selectors wish to take.
Reports claim Rohit has been informed
A second report by The Indian Express claimed that the selectors have already communicated their decision to Rohit Sharma.
According to the report, the BCCI told the veteran opener that he is not part of their plans beyond the England tour, even though he has been working on his fitness.
The report also said Rohit had conversations with BCCI officials during the England series and was disappointed with the decision. But the final decision on retirement has been left to the player.
Virat Kohli Continues to Enjoy Backing
Rohit's place is unclear but head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar both still believe Virat Kohli should stay in the ODI team as he has been consistently performing and in good shape.
The selectors are said to believe that continuing with Rohit after the England series would limit opportunities for Yashasvi Jaiswal, the natural successor at the top of the order.
Recent Form Raises Concerns
Rohit's recent ODI numbers have not strengthened his case. In his last eight one-day internationals he has scored just 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, with only one half-century during that time.
Rohit has also been in dispute with the selection committee on the reasons behind his retirement from Test cricket. While selectors did not want him to retire mid-series of the England Test series, those close to Rohit claimed he had made himself available for all five matches.
As India begins planning for the next ODI World Cup cycle, all eyes will now be on the third ODI against England, which could be the end of one of India's most successful ODI careers if the reports are right.
