BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation over Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, saying there has been no discussion about the veteran opener playing his final one-day international.
India's Rohit Sharma (Photo: IANS)
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, reiterating that the veteran opener continues to be an integral part of India’s plans and that there has been no discussion over Sunday’s third ODI against England being his final appearance in the format.
Rumours surfaced on social media on Thursday night suggesting that Rohit’s ODI career could come to an end after the series finale at Lord’s, with reports claiming the selectors were unlikely to consider him in their plans leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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However, Saikia categorically rejected the speculation, urging fans to ignore unverified reports.
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“Rohit Sharma remains a key player for India. There has been no discussion whatsoever about Lord’s being his last ODI. The entire team is focused on the crucial match ahead, and there’s no need to pay attention to such speculation,” Saikia told IANS.
The rumours gained traction after Rohit endured a lean run in the first two ODIs of the ongoing England series, prompting questions over the 38-year-old’s future in the format.
Rohit has already stepped away from two formats in recent years, announcing his retirement from T20 Internationals after leading India to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title before calling time on his Test career on May 7, 2025, ahead of India’s England tour. He was later succeeded by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain.
Despite the speculation, Rohit’s record in 50-over cricket remains among the finest in the game’s history. In 286 ODIs, he has scored 11,731 runs, establishing himself as one of India’s greatest limited-overs batters.
As captain, Rohit led India in 56 ODIs, guiding the side to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and lifting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with his aggressive brand of leadership. Sunday’s third ODI against England will now be viewed as another opportunity for the veteran opener to silence the retirement chatter with the bat.
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