Former India captain Rohit Sharma has been struggling for runs and rhythm in one-day cricket – the only format that he is active in when it comes to international cricket. The right-handed batter was dismissed for an ungainly 11 off 21 in the first ODI against England in Birmingham and followed it up with an equally sluggish 26 off 47 in the second one-dayer in Cardiff.
If we take a look at Rohit‘s performances in ODIs since the start of 2026, he has played eight innings and has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.12 and a strike rate of 88.60, with just one half-century. He had a highest score of 26 in three matches against New Zealand at the start of the year and registered scores of 16, 48 & 79 against Afghanistan.
In the wake of his struggles in the first two ODIs against England, speculations around his possible retirement from international cricket started doing the rounds. Here is a timeline of events pertaining to rumors around the Hitman’s future.
Report claims Rohit Sharma not in scheme of things for 2027 ODI World Cup
A report in the Indian Express on July 16 claimed that the selectors had decided to move on from Rohit after the England vs India series. According to the report, the selectors had spoken to the Hitman and informed that they do not see him playing a role for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Reportedly, the veteran batter spoke to a few BCCI officials and expressed his displeasure over the development. The Indian Express report quoted a BCCI source as saying:
“The selectors have informed Rohit that he does not figure in their scheme of things after the England tour and they are moving on from him after this series. He wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness. The selectors have left the ball in Sharma’s court.”
The report added that the selectors were keen on giving youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal a chance to stake claim for the opener’s role at the 2027 World Cup.
Selectors had made up their minds to drop Rohit after Afghanistan series: Reports
According to another report in The Times of India on July 17, the Indian selectors were keen on giving Jaiswal a full series in England after Rohit’s struggles in the home series against Afghanistan. However, they later changed their mind and give the former India captain another chance to rediscover his batting form.
The report even claimed that Rohit declined a request to rest for the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai. As a result, skipper Shubman Gill had to bat at No. 3 to accommodate Jaiswal in the playing XI.
Report on Rohit’s parents arriving in London adds fuel to fire
As per a report in Crex, Rohit parents, Gurunath Sharma and Purnima Sharma, had reached London ahead of what was reportedly going to be their son’s last match for India – 3rd ODI at Lord’s on July 19. The report claimed that Rohit’s parents would be present at the iconic venue in London to witness their son’s ‘last’ match for India.
Indian legend slams speculation around Rohit’s future
Reacting to rumors around Rohit’s forced exit, Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the timing of speculations. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India spinner opined that any concerns over his form should have been communicated the player after the Champions Trophy itself. He said:
“My problem is with the Indian team itself. We are going to South Africa in September-October, do we need Rohit and Virat? If you ask me, I will want that experience. I know Yashasvi Jaiswal is pushing hard from behind. But as a decision maker, if you ever felt in your mind that these two players are not fit for the 2027 ODI World Cup, that could have been communicated at the end of the ICC Champions Trophy.”
Rohit was in impressive form in ODIs last year. In 14 innings, he scored 650 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 100.46, with two tons and four fifties.
BCCI dismisses rumors around Rohit’s retirement
Amid all the frenzy around Rohit’s future, the BCCI stepped in to dismiss all rumors around his immediate future. Speaking to news agency PTI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that there has been discussion over the Lord’s clash being the last match for the Hitman. He said:
“There are lot of speculations going on in media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday. Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match.”
Meanwhile, Rohit was seen in a fun mood with head coach Gautam Gambhir during a practice session ahead of the Lord’s ODI against England.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert