Endgame for the Hitman in ODIs? Rohit Sharma's future uncertain beyond England tour: Report

The upcoming third and final ODI match between India and England on Sunday could be the last time fans witness Rohit Sharma in action for the Men in Blue. The Hitman's future in the one-day format following the England tour remains a big mystery as the selection committee may prioritise another opening batter in the role, leaving Rohit's status in limbo.

Rohit hasn't had a fruitful outing lately, scoring just 241 runs in his last eight ODI appearances at a strike rate of 88.6 and an average of 30.1. The former India captain managed to score just one half-century, raising form-related concerns.

Will Rohit Sharma retire from ODIs after England tour?

According to PTI, the national selectors are keen to provide Yashasvi Jaiswal with a longer run in the 50-over format, possibly leading to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The batter scored two hundreds in his past three ODI innings and is expected to receive game time over Rohit in the team.

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While no one can tell Rohit to retire, it is reportedly clear that he won't be part of the team's ODI plans going forward.

"The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored two hundreds in three innings, get a longer rope. There are around 20 games, and Jaiswal needs to be given those 20 games.

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"No one can tell Rohit to retire, but this is very clear that going forward for the home series vs West Indies in September, the selectors would like to look forward. Rohit's future is a decision that he needs to take," a senior BCCI source privy to selection matters said, on condition of anonymity.

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For Virat Kohli, the report added that due to his form and fitness, the 37-year-old batter 'is an automatic choice', and head coach Gautam Gambhir and Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar 'are on the same page' about him.

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Notably, Agarkar was also part of the Indian contingent in Cardiff as the touring selector.

After England defeated India by four wickets in the second ODI match to level the series 1-1, the Men in Blue intend to bounce back to seal a series victory in the series-decider tie on Sunday, July 19, at Lord's.