Rohit Sharma’s ODI Career Still Active, Says BCCI Secretary Amid Speculations

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has denied media reports suggesting that the third ODI between India and England at Lord’s Cricket Ground will mark Rohit Sharma’s final appearance in international cricket. Speaking to India Today, Saikia clarified that the 39-year-old opener remains a key part of India’s ODI setup and will continue playing as long as the team management deems him fit.

Speculation arose after claims that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had excluded Rohit from plans for the 2024 ODI World Cup, favoring younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings with Shubman Gill. This coincided with Rohit’s underwhelming performances in the ongoing England series, where he managed scores of 11 and 26 across two matches, including a 47-ball 26 in the second ODI.

Fans expressed concerns given Rohit’s previous retirements from Test and T20I cricket, but Saikia’s statement aims to ease anxieties. He emphasized: “There has been no discussion about this being Rohit’s last match at Lord’s. He remains a regular member of the ODI team and will represent India as long as he aligns with the team’s strategy.”

“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,” Saikia was quoted as saying by India Today.

“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,” the BCCI Secretary added.

Despite his strong historical record in ODIs in England, Rohit has struggled recently, scoring just 15 runs in two innings at Lord’s, including a duck. Analysts suggest a more aggressive approach might help him rediscover his form, mirroring his previous success in the format.

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