Rohit Sharma’s parents have reportedly arrived in London ahead of the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s on Sunday, adding further fuel to speculation surrounding the veteran opener’s international future.
According to a report by Crex, Rohit’s parents, Gurunath and Purnima Sharma, will be present at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground to watch the series decider.
“Rohit Sharma’s parents have already reached London and will be present at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground to watch the final ODI of the IND vs ENG series,” the report stated.
Their reported arrival comes amid widespread speculation that the Lord’s ODI could be Rohit’s final appearance in the format for India. The 38-year-old has struggled for runs in the ongoing series, managing scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches, leading to renewed questions over his place in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
According to multiple media reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is planning for the future and is keen to give young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal more opportunities in the 50-over format. However, neither the BCCI nor Rohit Sharma has officially confirmed any retirement plans or selection decision.
Meanwhile, England bounced back to level the three-match series with a four-wicket victory in the second ODI at Cardiff. India posted 233 after half-centuries from Virat Kohli (55) and Shreyas Iyer (56), but Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 guided the hosts to victory with 35 balls to spare.
Former India captain Anil Kumble praised Root’s match-winning knock, describing him as England’s equivalent of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODI cricket.
“Joe Root is to England what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are to India. Root is the only batter in that England side who still plays with an old-school ODI mindset. The other batters came out attacking from the start, but Root took his time, anchored the innings and brought calmness to the chase,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
