IND vs ENG: With retirement rumours spreading thick and fast about Rohit Sharma and the veteran reportedly unlikely to play in the 2027 World Cup, tributes have already started pouring for the legendary batter over the accolades he has achieved. Nevertheless, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has broken his silence over the widespread rumours spread over the last 24 hours, including reports that the 39-year-old’s parents have come to London to watch the game. Will the Lord’s ODI against England on Sunday be indeed his swansong?
IND vs ENG: Will Rohit Sharma retire from international cricket after the third and final ODI against England?
The development first emerged during England’s innings in the second ODI in Cardiff when The Indian Express reported that the right-hander is no longer in the selectors’ plans for the 2027 World Cup and wants to give opportunities to the youngsters. Another one of those media reports stated that the veteran wishes to continue playing but the selectors want to move on from him. Nevertheless, Rohit’s decline in form has raised concerns, headlined by scoring only 37 runs in the first two games against England as his rustiness is quite palpable. As a result, the former Indian captain’s international future seemed in the balance, especially with the promise of Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings. Speaking to PTI, Saikia said:
“There are a lot of speculations going on in the 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. 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, the Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match.”
IND vs ENG: What is Rohit Sharma’s ODI record at the Lord’s Cricket Ground?
With Team India set to play at The Home of Cricket, the right-hander has a poor record at the venue, managing only 15 runs in his two outings. Keeping this in mind, England are bound to pile the pressure up on him.
While there will be focus on Rohit’s performance, there is also everything to play for, given the series is locked at 1-1 ahead of the decider. The tourists’ batting collapse meant they only had 233 to defend in Cardiff; hence, all the batters must chip in to avoid a series defeat.
