GUWAHATI: Speculation over Rohit Sharma's international future has reached fever pitch ahead of India's third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday, July 19, with multiple reports suggesting the match could mark his farewell to international cricket.
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According to reports that have stated sources within the Indian board, selectors had communicated clearly to Rohit that his future beyond this England tour wasn't part of their planning, despite his own desire to continue playing. Sharma reportedly raised the matter directly with BCCI officials during the ongoing series and wasn't entirely satisfied with how the decision had been communicated. Reports suggest the selection committee has moved on from him for the 2027 World Cup, which South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are set to host.
The 39-year-old's form has added fuel to the speculation. Rohit managed a laboured 26 off 47 balls as England leveled the series in Cardiff, and has now gone 11 ODIs without a century. Despite this, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak backed the veteran, dismissing suggestions he was struggling and insisting a poor day doesn't reflect his true form.
This potential exit would complete Rohit's departure from all three formats, having retired from T20Is on June 29, 2024, hours after India's World Cup triumph, and from Test cricket on May 7, 2025.
Former teammate Parthiv Patel believes if Lord's is indeed his last match, Rohit will be determined to sign off with a century, noting his career-long pattern of bouncing back from lean patches with a big innings.
Neither Rohit nor the BCCI has confirmed any retirement decision, and fans await Sunday's match with keen anticipation.