Rohit Sharma’s automatic selection for India’s ODI team is under review after his performance in Cardiff. The upcoming Lord’s match could be crucial for his fut
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future Under Scrutiny
Rohit Sharma‘s position as an automatic selection for the India One Day International (ODI) team appears to be under review following his performance in the second ODI against England in Cardiff. After scoring 26 runs off 47 balls, there is a suggestion that the upcoming third ODI at Lord’s could potentially be his final match for India. This comes after a period where the 39-year-old has struggled to find consistent form, leading to discussions within the selection committee and team management.
The second ODI saw India bowled out for 233, with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer contributing 65 and 66 runs respectively. The English pacers reportedly exploited the Indian batting lineup’s difficulties with bouncing deliveries. Concerns about Rohit Sharma‘s form have been present for some time, with reports indicating that the team management and selectors are keen to integrate younger players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, into the squad to prepare for the ODI World Cup in South Africa in October-November 2027.
Sources suggest that the selection committee had considered dropping Rohit Sharma after the home ODI series against Afghanistan last month. He reportedly declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai, which would have allowed Jaiswal an opportunity. Consequently, captain Shubman Gill had to bat at number three to accommodate Jaiswal in that match.
Performance and Approach Changes
The team management has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Rohit Sharma‘s performances since Shubman Gill took over as ODI captain after the Champions Trophy victory in March 2025. Doubts regarding Rohit Sharma‘s fitness and his ability to continue until the World Cup, when he would be over 40 years old, were reportedly conveyed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) before the Afghanistan series.
Following the Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma‘s batting approach reportedly underwent a significant change, becoming more sedate and cautious. The management believes he now requires three games to establish his rhythm in a series. This is a departure from his previous aggressive style, where he was known for taking on bowling attacks from the outset. His strike rate in the powerplay phase has reportedly decreased significantly since he was removed as captain.
His struggles were evident in the first ODI against England, where he scored 11 runs off 21 balls and appeared visibly frustrated after his dismissal. In the second ODI, his face reportedly conveyed a sense of helplessness as he walked back to the pavilion. This mirrors a look he displayed during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which marked the end of his Test career after a series of poor scores.
Looking Ahead for Indian Cricket
The selectors and team management have reportedly communicated their views on Rohit Sharma to the BCCI. It remains to be seen how the board will address the situation, whether through discussions with Rohit Sharma directly or through the selectors. While Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli have publicly supported Rohit Sharma, the non-committal stance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar on his future has added to the speculation.
Rohit Sharma‘s limited participation in domestic cricket, with only two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one against Sikkim, has also been noted as a factor affecting his rhythm. The selectors are reportedly looking for him to return to his aggressive, enforcer role from the first match of a series, a style that has not been consistently seen for over six months.
While Rohit Sharma will play in the third ODI at Lord’s, a significant score in that match may not be enough to alter the selectors’ long-term plans. The focus appears to be on a more consistent, aggressive approach throughout a series. The next home ODI series for India is against West Indies in September.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
