The future of Rohit Sharma remains one of the biggest talking points around Indian cricket. The former India captain is now racing against time and form as he looks to secure his place in the squad for next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa.
A latest report by PTI has claimed that Rohit was asked to retire by a member of the senior men’s selection committee during India’s ODI series against England. According to the report, the 39-year-old initially reacted angrily to the request but eventually agreed to the suggestion before producing a stunning century in the final ODI of the series.
The report also states that the request did not come from chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Instead, another member of the selection panel reportedly told Rohit that the selectors had moved on and were looking at other options to open the innings alongside India captain Shubman Gill.
Rohit, however, responded strongly with the bat when his place in the team appeared to be under serious pressure. He smashed a brilliant 138 in the third ODI against England at Lord’s. Although India lost the match and the series, Rohit’s century helped strengthen his case and delayed questions over his immediate future.
According to the PTI report, the future of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja is also being discussed within the BCCI. However, the report suggests that the pressure on the two is considerably lower compared to Rohit.
Rohit’s form in 2026 has also added to the debate. He has scored 379 runs in nine innings at an average of over 42, while maintaining a strike rate close to 100. On the surface, those numbers appear encouraging, but his overall record has been boosted by a few big knocks.
The veteran opener has failed to cross the 30-run mark in six of his nine innings this year. Two of his strongest performances came against Afghanistan during India’s home series earlier in the year.
With the ODI World Cup approaching, Rohit’s form, fitness and role in the Indian team are likely to remain under close watch. The selectors will have to decide whether his experience and ability to produce match-winning innings are enough to keep him in the plans for the tournament.
