Gautam Gambhir To Drop Rohit Sharma For 3rd ODI? Reasons India Might Take This Bold Call

Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

With the three-match ODI series between India and England nearing its conclusion, speculation has started surrounding Rohit Sharma's place in the playing XI for the third and final ODI. 

While there has been no official confirmation from the Indian team management, India's experimentation ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup has fueled discussions about whether the veteran opener could be rested.

Notably, Rohit's performances in the first two ODIs have fallen short of expectations and with India looking to test different combinations, Gautam Gambhir and co. could be tempted to make a change. 

Reasons why Rohit Sharma might be rested for IND vs ENG 3rd ODI

Shubman Gill hints at team rotation

India captain Shubman Gill had already indicated before IND vs ENG ODI series that the management would use the limited number of ODIs before 2027 World Cup to experiment with different combinations.

"Yes, we are really trying different combinations to see which kind of combination gives us best depth in bowling and batting, in both the departments. I think the wicket that we played on, the conditions would be a bit similar to South Africa," Gill said.

The 2nd ODI already reflected that approach, with Ishan Kishan batting at no 4 in the absence of the ill KL Rahul. 

If Rahul returns for the 3rd ODI, India could consider promoting Kishan to open alongside Gill, a role in which the left-hander has enjoyed considerable success. Notably, Ishan Kishan has scored 495 runs in 9 ODIs as an opener for India.

Rohit Sharma yet to find rhythm against England

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has struggled to make an impact in the IND vs ENG ODI series. The usually aggressive opener has looked far from his fluent best, finding it difficult to dominate the English bowlers during the powerplay. 

Instead of dictating terms, Rohit has been tied down by disciplined bowling and has struggled to rotate the strike consistently. In the 1st ODI, he managed just 11 runs off 21 balls before falling to Sam Curran.

His outing in the second ODI was equally disappointing. Rohit scored 26 off 47 deliveries before being dismissed by Will Jacks. It is important to note that the knock was particularly concerning as it became the slowest ODI innings of his career among scores of 25 or more.

Given India's focus on building towards the future, the team management could consider resting the veteran opener to provide another player with an opportunity.

A challenging ODI year for Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has endured a mixed run in ODIs throughout 2026. Across series against New Zealand, Afghanistan and England, the former India captain has struggled to produce the consistency expected of him.

So far this year, he has played 8 ODIs, scoring 241 runs at an average of 30.12, with just one half-century to his name. While those numbers are below his usual standards, it is important to note that there has been no indication from the team management that Rohit will be dropped.

However, if India prioritises experimentation ahead of the World Cup, resting Rohit for the third ODI cannot be completely ruled out. A change would allow the management to assess another opening combination while also managing the workload of one of India's most experienced players.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Breaks Another Sachin Tendulkar Record In 2nd ODI Vs England