Rohit Sharma's international future uncertain afte...

By Nikhil Verma — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

Uncertainty Surrounds Rohit Sharma’s Selection

Rohit Sharma‘s position as an automatic selection for the India national team is reportedly under review following his performance in the second ODI against England in Cardiff. After scoring 26 runs off 47 balls, his international career may be nearing its end. Sources indicate that the selection committee has decided he will not be the primary opener after the current series, which concludes with the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday.

The match at Lord’s could potentially be the 39-year-old‘s final appearance for India. This development comes as India was bowled out for 233 in the second ODI, with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer contributing 65 and 66 runs respectively. English pacers reportedly exploited the Indian batting lineup’s difficulties with bouncing deliveries.

Focus on Younger Talent for Future Competitions

The team management and selectors are reportedly keen to integrate younger players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, into the squad to prepare for the ODI World Cup in South Africa scheduled for October-November 2027. It was previously reported that Rohit was unlikely to retain a full run in the team if his form did not improve during this series.

Initially, the team management and selectors reportedly intended to give Jaiswal a full series in England but opted to give Rohit another opportunity to regain his form. The selection committee and team management have reportedly communicated their views regarding Rohit to the Indian cricket board (BCCI). Discussions are anticipated between the board’s leadership and Rohit, or between the selectors and the player, to determine the path forward.

A BCCI source indicated that selectors had considered dropping Rohit after the ODI series against Afghanistan last month. Rohit reportedly declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai, which would have allowed Jaiswal to play. This led to captain 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 victorious Champions Trophy campaign 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 conveyed to the BCCI before the squad for the Afghanistan series was chosen.

Changes in Batting Approach and Domestic Play

Rohit’s batting approach reportedly shifted significantly after the Champions Trophy, becoming more sedate and cautious. The management believes he requires three games to find his rhythm in a series. A source noted that it has been challenging for Rohit since he retired from the other two formats of the game.

His participation in domestic cricket has also been limited, with only two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one of which was against Sikkim. The selectors have conveyed their opinion, and the decision regarding his future now rests with Rohit and the board.

In his last eight ODIs, Rohit has accumulated 241 runs at an average of 30.1 with a strike-rate of 88.6, including one half-century. Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, is currently in Cardiff as the touring selector. It is understood that the selectors are not considering the 39-year-old for next year’s ODI World Cup.

The national selectors are reportedly keen to provide Yashasvi Jaiswal with an extended opportunity, aiming to give him around 20 games. While no one can compel Rohit to retire, it is clear that selectors intend to look towards the future, potentially starting with the home series against West Indies in September. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar reportedly agree that Virat Kohli remains an automatic choice due to his form and fitness, unlike Rohit. The third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday could mark Rohit Sharma’s final international appearance.