T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma remains a key player for India, and the third ODI against England on Sunday will not be his last appearance in the Blues, informed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, responding to the speculation about the selectors deciding the former India captain will not be part of their plans for the 2027 World Cup.
Speculation had broken out on social media on Thursday night that the Lord's ODI would be Rohit Sharma's last. Sources had told IANS that Rohit was unlikely to be picked for ODIs following Sunday’s match against England.
But BCCI secretary Saikia rubbished those claims on Friday night and affirmed that Rohit is still in BCCI's plans.
“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 on Friday.
Rohit had quit the T20 format after leading India to the title in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024 and then retired from Tests during India's tour of Australia in 2025. The 50-over format was the only format he played at the international level, and speculation is rife in Indian cricket circles after the Mumbai batter struggled in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against England.
“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 on Friday.
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He also led India with aplomb in 56 ODIs, including leading the side to the 2023 World Cup final with his all-out attacking approach and astute leadership. Rohit also captained India to the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy triumph in the UAE.