Rohit Sharma’s international future uncertain as selectors eye younger talent

By Rohan Gupta — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

The third One Day International (ODI) between India and England at Lord’s on Sunday could mark a significant moment for Rohit Sharma, with reports suggesting it might be his final international appearance. The selection committee is reportedly looking to transition the team by backing younger players, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal, in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Sharma’s recent performance has drawn scrutiny, especially after his knock of 26 runs off 47 balls in the second ODI against England in Cardiff. This follows a period where his form has been inconsistent. In his last eight ODIs, Sharma has accumulated 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike-rate of 88.6, including one half-century.

The team management and selectors have reportedly conveyed their concerns about Sharma’s form and fitness to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). There were earlier doubts regarding his ability to sustain his performance until the 2027 World Cup, by which time he would be over 40 years of age.

Selectors Prioritise Youth for Future

The national selectors are reportedly keen on giving Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended opportunity. Jaiswal, who has scored two centuries in three innings, is seen as a key player for the future, with approximately 20 games identified for him to gain experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The selectors had initially wanted to give Jaiswal a full series in England but ultimately decided to give Sharma another chance to regain his form.

Sources indicate that the selectors had considered dropping Sharma after the ODI series against Afghanistan. Sharma had declined to rest for the third ODI in Chennai, which would have allowed Jaiswal to play. This decision led to captain Shubman Gill batting at number three to accommodate Jaiswal in the lineup.

The team management’s satisfaction with Sharma’s performances has reportedly waned since Gill took over as ODI captain after the Champions Trophy campaign in March 2025. Sharma’s batting approach has also been noted to have changed significantly after the Champions Trophy, becoming more cautious and sedate.

Rohit’s Approach and Board Discussions

The management believes that Sharma requires three games to find his rhythm in a series. A source mentioned that it has been challenging for Sharma since his retirement from the other two formats of the game, coupled with his limited participation in domestic cricket. He played in two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last season, one of which was against Sikkim.

The chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, is currently in Cardiff as the touring selector, and it is understood that Sharma is not being considered for the next year’s ODI World Cup. Both Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir are reportedly aligned on the decision to back Jaiswal, while Virat Kohli remains an automatic choice due to his consistent form and fitness.

The selection committee and Sharma were reportedly not in agreement regarding his Test retirement. While sources close to the selection committee stated they did not want Sharma to decide after playing only two of the five Tests in England, those familiar with Sharma’s perspective maintained that he had intended to play the entire series.

The decision regarding Sharma’s future is now expected to rest with him and the BCCI, following the selectors’ conveyed opinion. The match at Lord’s on Sunday could potentially be the 39-year-old’s last international fixture for India.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com