Will Rohit Sharma retire after today's ENG vs IND 3rd ODI? Exploring the possibilities

Rohit Sharma failed to score big in first two games of ENG vs IND ODI series.

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has struggled to impress in the ongoing three-match ODI series against England. The Indian opener lost his wicket for just 11 runs off 21 deliveries in the first ODI at Edgbaston on July 14, followed by another poor score of 26 runs off 47 deliveries in the second game at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on July 16.

Rohit, who has already retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025, is only active in the 50-over format currently. The 39-year-old batter has expressed his desire to play ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe next year. However, since the start of this year, his numbers haven’t been great, prompting selectors to look for other options in the lead-up to the ICC tournament.

Over the last few days, some reports have claimed that the 3rd ODI between England and India could be Rohit’s last game in the 50-over format. The report, which was first shared by Indian daily newspaper The Indian Express, alleged that selectors have decided to move on from Rohit, and they are also not seeing him in plans for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

Will ENG vs IND 3rd ODI be Rohit Sharma’s last international game?

While there is no confirmation that Sharma would play his last game at The Lord’s, there were some rumours as well, which claimed that his parents also will be in London to watch him play in what could be his last match. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia didn’t shy away and clarified the Indian Cricket Board’s stance on the matter.

“There are lot of speculations going on in media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday,” Saikia was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India (PTI).

“Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” he further added.

There was another report by Cricbuzz, which stated that:

“Selectors had spoken to Rohit Sharma before the ODI series in England that they would be providing opportunities to younger openers going forward with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa”.

“It is understood that India’s selectors had started conversations about Rohit’s future during IPL 2026 and these discussions involved head coach Gautam Gambhir,” the report added.

But, with BCCI secretary clearing all the air, there are chances that Rohit might continue playing even after the Englands series. Although he could not impress in the ongoing ODI series against England, he gave a brilliant show in the campaign against Afghanistan last month. After getting run-out in the opening game, he came up with 48 and 79 in the next two matches.

Last year, despite winning the ICC Champions Trophy in March, Rohit was removed as the ODI captain ahead of the subsequent campaign in Australia in October with Shubman Gill taking the charge.

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