Lord’s ODI could be Rohit Sharma’s last for India: If reports are to be believed, the third and final One Day International (ODI) of the series between India and England at the historic venue – Lord’s Cricket Ground could very well end his international career. Although there has been no official announcement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding it or Rohit, media reports have suggested that selectors want to phase out senior players and focus on youth ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Rohit, India’s legendary ODI batter, has had a rough series against England. He scored only 26 in the second ODI at Cardiff, where India lost by four wickets, allowing England to level the three-match series 1-1. Selectors have started to cast doubt over his recent performances, where in the last six innings, he has failed to register a major score.
“India’s selection committee has apparently conveyed to Rohit that he probably won’t be a part of the ODI plans post-England series,” as per reports. Management wants to look ahead and build a younger squad for the 2027 World Cup, which means Yashasvi Jaiswal et al can be accommodated.
Amidst all the speculation, Sitanshu Kotak, India’s batting coach, has come out and defended Rohit Sharma, stating that the veteran is still a crucial part of the team. Read| Rohit is from a league, he can come back with match-winning innings at any time: Kotak. On questions regarding the build-up of Rohit’s form
It will signal the end of one of cricket’s great careers in the format, should that be it for Rohit at Lord’s. Rohit has redefined batting records since his ODI debut in 2007, and he is now considered one of the best white-ball players ever. He is the only cricketer to score triple double centuries in ODIs, which include the highest ODI score of 264 against Sri Lanka.
Mumbai-based batter has been integral to success over the years with multiple ICC tournaments and leadership roles across formats. Retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket a while ago, the ODI format is his only remaining pillar in international cricket.
Rohit’s accomplishments go beyond statistics. Immaculate stroke maker, calm skipper, destroyer of bowling attacks: he has been a role model for many young cricketers in this generation. Opening at 1, his performances in ICC tournaments have often provided an opening foundation to India’s wins on the grandest stages.
Sunday’s decider at Lord’s has since been given added significance due to the timeliness of the reports. The hosts cruised to an easy win thanks largely to Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 from 150, putting India and England level on 1-1 in the series – with another Test at Cardiff. In case the reports are to be believed, a series-winning performance at the “Home of Cricket” would serve as Rohit’s ideal ending before retiring from his ODI cricket career.
So far, neither Rohit Sharma nor the BCCI has made any comment on his future. Fans can only wait for the announcement, and whether Lord’s ODI is the final chapter of a great international career. No matter what happens, Rohit has cemented himself as one of the all-time great ODI players in India’s history, and should he say goodbye on the famous ground, it will most certainly be an emotional affair for Indian cricket fans around the globe.
Read Also: India Ease to Six-Wicket Win Over England in First ODI
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