Reports suggesting that the third ODI against England could be Rohit Sharma’s final appearance in Indian colours have sparked widespread discussion across social media and cricket circles. According to several reports, the selectors have told Rohit that he is no longer part of their long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite his immense contribution to India’s success in the format.
Reacting to the buzz during the second ODI, former India head coach and broadcaster Ravi Shastri praised Rohit’s legacy in one-day cricket and confirmed that communication has indeed taken place between the batter and the selectors. Shastri, however, stopped short of confirming the reports, saying the matter is still surrounded by uncertainty.
“It’s buzzing in the media box, in the press box. Just came from there and you don’t know how much of it is true, whether it’s a rumour. The fact is, they’ve had a word with him. He’s had a word with them, and he’s pushing 40. That’s been one of the great giants of the white-ball game. Three double hundreds. Just made batting look easy. India missed out on winning the ODI World Cup. He’s got the record for the most hundreds in the World Cup. Five of them in the UK in the 2019 edition,” Ravi Shastri said on commentary, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
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Rohit’s ODI record remains one of the most decorated in world cricket. In 287 matches, the India opener has scored 11,757 runs at an average of 48.58 and a strike rate of 92.76.
He has registered 33 centuries, including a record three double hundreds, and still holds the world record for the highest individual ODI score of 264. His five centuries in the 2019 World Cup remain the most by any batter in a single edition of the tournament.
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However, his recent form has been under the scanner. In the ongoing series against England, Rohit has managed scores of 11 and 26, with the latter coming off 47 balls in a laborious effort as India were bowled out for 233. With Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting for a bigger opportunity and showing impressive form, the selectors are reportedly leaning towards giving the youngster a longer run in the ODI setup.
