BCCI Squashes Rohit Sharma Retirement Rumours, Confirms Lord's ODI Is Not His Final Match

The Indian Cricket government body, Board of Control for Cricket in India has dismissed all reports that claims the third ODI between India and England at Lord’s will be Rohit's last appearance in Indian colours. A speculation emerged online, after The Indian Express reported that the selectors have decided to move on from the former captain and veteran opener in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South African, with the young opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal being considered for the opening role.

The BCCI, has however, squashed all those claims, and insisted that no such communication has taken place between the board and Rohit. Sharma, who is known as the ‘Hitman’ has already retired from the red ball format and the T20 format, making ODIs the only remaining international format.

The report fuelled widespread speculation over the former Indian captain’s future with team India. But the governing body has now stepped to clarify its position. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia categorically denied the reports that the board has informed Rohit the Lord’s ODI would be his final match for India. He also insisted that no such discussion had taken place.

“I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will play his last match at Lord’s on Sunday.” He quoted while speaking to the PTI. The BCCI secretary also reaffirmed Rohit's place in the Indian ODI team and he also clarified that his place as the opener remains in the team's future plans.

He further quipped, “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 won't be his last match.”

Rohit’s current form a matter of concern

Rohit Sharma has been quite vocal about his intention of representing the country in the 2027 ODI World Cup and he is currently placed fourth in the ICC ODI batting rankings. However, his recent form has been worrying and come under scrutiny during the ongoing three-match ODI match series against England.

In the first two matches, he has managed scores of 11 and 26. Overall, in all the matches he has played this year so far, he has scored 241 runs at a below par average of 30.12 with his highest score being 79. The modest scores fuelled debate about his place in the side and India’s long-term plans.