Rohit Sharma’s future with the national team
Following a recent performance in the second ODI against England in Cardiff, questions have emerged regarding Rohit Sharma’s automatic selection status for the Indian cricket team. After scoring 26 runs off 47 balls, it is understood that the selection committee has decided he will no longer be the first-choice opener after the current series concludes with the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday. This upcoming match could potentially mark the 39-year-old’s final appearance for India.
The Indian team was bowled out for 233 in the Cardiff match, 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. Previously, reports indicated that the team management and selectors intended to give younger players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, an extended opportunity to prepare for the ODI World Cup in South Africa in October-November 2027. It was also suggested that Rohit might not receive a full run if his form did not improve during this series.
Performance and selection committee’s stance
Sources indicate that the team management and selectors had initially planned to give Jaiswal a full series in England but opted to retain Rohit to provide him another chance to regain his form. The selection committee and team management have reportedly communicated their views regarding Rohit to the Indian cricket board (BCCI). There is anticipation regarding whether the board’s power centres will engage with Rohit directly or if the selectors will discuss the matter with him.
A BCCI source mentioned that selectors had considered dropping Rohit after the ODI series against Afghanistan at home last month. Rohit reportedly declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai, which would have allowed Jaiswal to play. As a result, captain Shubman Gill had to bat at number three to accommodate Jaiswal.
The team management has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Rohit’s performances since Gill replaced him as the ODI captain following the successful Champions Trophy campaign in March 2025. Prior to the selection for the Afghanistan series, the BCCI was reportedly informed about the selectors’ and team management’s concerns regarding Rohit’s fitness and their doubts about his ability to continue until the World Cup, when he would be over 40 years of age.
Batting approach and future considerations
Rohit’s batting approach reportedly changed significantly after the Champions Trophy, becoming more cautious and sedate. 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 and plays very little domestic cricket, having participated in only two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one of which was against Sikkim. The selectors have conveyed their opinion, leaving the decision on how to proceed to Rohit and the board.
His recent dismissal in Cardiff, attempting a sweep against Will Jacks, was not what he would have expected. In the first ODI against England, he was dismissed for 11 runs off 21 balls, mis-timing a shot against Sam Curran. His frustration was evident, reflecting his ongoing search for a significant score. He had scored a lone fifty against Afghanistan in the final match of that series, but otherwise seemed to lack game-time.
Pressure has been mounting on Rohit to perform in the England series, especially with Virat Kohli batting fluently. His cautious approach in the powerplay, a departure from his aggressive style, suggests he may feel his place is in jeopardy with each failure. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have remained non-committal about his future.
Between 2023 and the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit redefined India’s batting template, averaging 67.4 in the powerplay phase with a strike rate of 122.6. Since being removed as captain, his average has dropped to 46.2, and his strike rate is 84.5. While captain Shubman Gill and Agarkar have supported him, Rohit has not appeared to be himself on the field, a sentiment observed during the Afghanistan series and after his dismissal in the first ODI.
The selectors, known for their decisive actions with both white-ball teams, may make a decision on his place in the team soon. Although Rohit will play at Lord’s next and could potentially score big, as he did against Afghanistan, the selectors are looking for consistent aggressive batting from the first match of a series, which has not been seen for over six months. The next ODI series for India is against the West Indies at home in September.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
