Rohit Sharma's Lord's ODI may be his last: Parthiv hopes for a farewell knock
Synopsis
Rohit Sharma's ODI career may be down to its final innings at Lord's. With selectors reportedly ready to move on and back Yashasvi Jaiswal for 2027, Parthiv Patel is asking for one last masterclass from a batter who has always answered his critics with the bat.
Key Takeaways
Parthiv Patel said on JioStar that he hopes Rohit Sharma signs off with a memorable century if the Lord's ODI is his last.
A BCCI source reportedly confirmed that the Ajit Agarkar -led selection committee has decided to move past Rohit in the 50-over format .
The selectors are looking to give more game time to Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup in South Africa , Zimbabwe , and Namibia .
Rohit scored a scratchy 26 runs in the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens , raising concerns over his recent form.
Rohit has played 286 ODIs , amassing 11,731 runs ; he retired from Tests on 7 May 2025 and from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup .
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has weighed in on the retirement speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma, saying he hopes the veteran opener delivers a memorable innings if the upcoming third ODI against England at Lord's Cricket Ground turns out to be his final appearance in an India jersey.
What Parthiv Said
Speaking on JioStar, Parthiv expressed confidence in Rohit's ability to respond under pressure. 'If the Lord's ODI is indeed the last match of his career, Rohit Sharma would want to sign off with a century. He is more than capable of doing that. We've seen it throughout his career — after two or three low scores, he often bounces back with a match-winning knock in the very next innings. The difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has always been consistency,' Parthiv said.
He also acknowledged Rohit's uneven showing in the second ODI. 'Rohit may not score heavily in every game, but when he does, he plays a substantial innings and often ends up winning the Player of the Match award. He didn't look comfortable in this game. He was troubled by the uneven bounce and never found his rhythm,' Parthiv added.
The former wicketkeeper concluded with a note of optimism: 'But this is another opportunity for him to silence his critics. It has happened many times before, and he has always responded with the bat. So, if the Lord's ODI is indeed his final match, I hope he plays an innings that people remember for a long time.'
The Selection Committee's Reported Decision
According to a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source aware of the development, the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee has reportedly decided to look past Rohit in the 50-over format. The move is aimed at giving greater game time to young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as India build towards the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
This comes amid growing concerns over Rohit's recent form, underscored by a scratchy knock of 26 runs in the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens.
Rohit's Career and Recent Retirements
Rohit has already retired from T20 Internationals, having led India to the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup title. He subsequently stepped back from Test cricket on 7 May 2025, ahead of India's five-match tour of England, and was replaced as ODI captain by Shubman Gill shortly thereafter.
Across 286 ODI appearances, Rohit has accumulated 11,731 runs, cementing his place among the most destructive and reliable openers in the history of the 50-over game. He has continued in the ODI format with the singular ambition of representing India at the 2027 World Cup.
What Happens Next
The third ODI at Lord's now carries the weight of a potential farewell. If the selectors follow through on their reported decision, Sunday's match could mark the end of one of Indian cricket's most storied ODI careers. All eyes will be on Rohit's innings as he looks to write a fitting final chapter.
Point of View
On foreign soil, carries reputational risk for the board. Parthiv's comments, warm as they are, also reveal a broader truth — that Rohit's greatness has always been episodic, not relentless, and Indian cricket now needs someone who can carry the format consistently across a three-year build. The Lord's match, if it is indeed a farewell, deserves a proper send-off — but selection policy cannot be held hostage to sentiment.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lord's ODI Rohit Sharma's last match?
It is reportedly Rohit Sharma's final ODI appearance, according to a BCCI source who indicated the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has decided to move past him in the 50-over format. No official confirmation has been made by the BCCI or Rohit himself.
Why is Rohit Sharma reportedly being dropped from ODIs?
Selectors are reportedly looking to give more consistent game time to young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as India prepare for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup. Concerns over Rohit's recent form, including a scratchy 26 in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, have also factored into the decision.
What did Parthiv Patel say about Rohit Sharma's potential farewell?
Parthiv Patel, speaking on JioStar, said he hopes Rohit signs off with a century at Lord's, noting that Rohit has historically bounced back from lean patches with match-winning knocks. He described the game as 'another opportunity for him to silence his critics.'
What is Rohit Sharma's ODI record?
Rohit Sharma has played 286 ODIs and scored 11,731 runs, establishing himself as one of India's most explosive and dependable openers in the 50-over format. He has already retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket.
Who will replace Rohit Sharma as ODI opener?
Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to take on the opening role in ODIs, with selectors reportedly keen to build his experience ahead of the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
