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Rohit Sharma - (Source: AFP)
Former India captain Rohit Sharma has grabbed the headlines in the past 24 hours after reports of his India retirement went viral. During the 2nd ODI between India and England, the internet exploded with media releases mentioning that the Hitman will hang up his boots after the Lord’s ODI.
The Mecca of cricket will host the 3rd and final ODI between India and England. Rohit Sharma is having a rough patch with the bat, and the 39-year-old has amassed just 37 runs with the bat in 2 innings.
Rohit Sharma’s Retirement In His Own Hands
Earlier, reports mentioned that the BCCI is forcing Rohit Sharma to retire, and the board has also conveyed their message to the India opener. However, in the latest report from Devendra Pandey of Indian Express, it is the selectors who are fixated on moving on from the two-time ICC title-winning captain.
The report added that Ajit Agarkar, in the presence of Gautam Gambhir, conveyed their thoughts, and the right-handed batter wanted to continue. The Agarkar-led committee also expressed that they want to give a long rope to Yashasvi Jaiswal and have left the ball in Rohit’s court, whether he wants to announce his retirement or not.
"The selectors have informed Rohit that he does not figure in their scheme of things after the England tour & they are moving on from him after this series. He wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness. The selectors have left the ball in Rohit’s court," remarked Devendra Pandey.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma’s Childhood Coach Reacts To His Retirement
Hence, the hitman might not retire after the Lord’s ODI, but he would play his last game for India on July 19. Moreover, Rohit has been handed a Mohammad Shami-like status, where the selectors have moved on from the right-arm seamer.
Notably, Shami has been doing well in domestic cricket, but still fails to grab the selectors attention because they have moved on. Hence, retirement is only a formality for him.
Why Are The Selectors Looking To Replace Yashasvi Jaiswal With Rohit Sharma?
Rohit Sharma has not been the same since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. If we look at the stats, then the Hitman has averaged just 30.12 in 2026. Further, Rohit’s fitness has also been a concern for the selectors.
Notably, the 39-year-old missed the majority of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury and also missed the Afghanistan ODIs. Hence, Yashasvi Jaiswal is next in line and deserves a chance to showcase his talent on the grandest stage.
Further, Yashasvi Jaiswal has already amassed 285 runs in 6 ODIs, averaging 71.25. Also, the southpaw has two centuries and was quite unlucky to sit on the bench.
Rohit Sharma’s parents to fly to London
Amid the disagreement with the selectors, it seems that Rohit Sharma might actually draw a curtain on his illustrious career. One move that actually hints towards Rohit’s retirement is the fact that he has called his parents to London to watch him play at Lord’s on July 19.
Rohit’s parents are often away from the limelight, and their appearance definitely signals a big occassion. It seems that the Hitman has made up his mind that he wants to end his career and pass on the torch to Yashasvi Jaiswal, rather than just hoping for a few opportunities, staying away from action.
Also Read: Not Yashasvi Jaiswal! Surprising Picks Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma In India ODI Squad
