Cardiff: Rohit Sharma’s ODI future uncertain after Lord’s match

By Karan Malhotra — 17 July 2026 — 4 min read

Uncertainty surrounds Rohit Sharma’s ODI future

Rohit Sharma‘s position as an automatic selection for the Indian cricket team in One Day Internationals appears to be in doubt following his performance in the second ODI against England in Cardiff. After scoring 26 runs off 47 balls, it is understood that the selection committee has decided he will not be the first-choice opener after the current series, which concludes with the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday. This upcoming match could potentially be the 39-year-old‘s final appearance for India.

The decision comes amidst a period where India was bowled out for 233 runs 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. Reports from earlier in the week indicated that the team management and selectors are keen on providing opportunities to younger players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, 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.

Sources indicate that the team management and selectors had initially intended to give Jaiswal a full series in England but opted to retain Rohit to allow 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). The next steps, whether the board’s power centres will engage with Rohit or the selectors will speak with him, remain to be seen.

Performance and strategic shifts

A BCCI source revealed 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. Consequently, captain Shubman Gill had to bat at number three to accommodate Jaiswal in that match.

The team management has reportedly been dissatisfied with Rohit‘s performances since Gill took over as ODI captain after the successful Champions Trophy campaign in March 2025. Prior to 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.

Rohit‘s batting approach has reportedly changed significantly since the Champions Trophy, becoming more cautious. The management believes he often requires three games to find his rhythm in a series. A source mentioned that it was always going to be challenging for Rohit after 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, and the decision on how to proceed now rests with Rohit and the board.

Rohit Sharma walks back after getting out on Thursday Credit: newindianexpress.com

Mounting pressure and future outlook

In Cardiff, Rohit Sharma‘s dismissal, an attempted sweep against Will Jacks, occurred after he failed to register a substantial score in the first ODI against England. His score of 26 runs off 47 balls followed a 21-ball 11 in the first match, where he appeared frustrated after mis-timing a shot against Sam Curran. His search for a significant score has continued, with a lone fifty against Afghanistan being his only notable contribution recently.

Coming into the England series, there was increasing pressure on Rohit to perform, especially with Virat Kohli batting fluently. The lack of big scores from the former captain, who will be 40 by the time the next ODI World Cup takes place, has been a point of concern since his removal as captain after the Champions Trophy triumph last year.

His cautious approach early in the innings has been noted, a departure from his previously aggressive style. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have remained non-committal about his future. Between 2023 and the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit‘s average in the powerplay phase was 67.4, 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. Despite captain Shubman Gill‘s support, Rohit‘s demeanour on the field has suggested a struggle.

His frustration was evident during the Afghanistan series and after his dismissal in the first ODI. On Thursday in Cardiff, his expression reportedly conveyed a sense of helplessness. This situation draws parallels to his Test career during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he reportedly dropped himself for the final match after a series of poor scores. At 39 years old, with 15 months remaining until the ODI World Cup, Rohit is reportedly not performing at his previous level.

It is possible that the selectors, who have been decisive with both white-ball teams, may make a decision on his place in the team soon. While Rohit will play next at Lord’s and could potentially score big, selectors are reportedly looking for consistent aggressive batting from the first match of a series, which has not been observed for over six months. The next ODI series for India is against the West Indies at home in September.