Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Jul 17: Former India captain Rohit Sharma could be playing his final One-Day International when India take on England in the third ODI at Lord's on Sunday, with the national selectors reportedly planning to build a younger squad ahead of next year's ICC ODI World Cup.
According to a PTI report, the selection committee, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar, is keen to give young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended run in the 50-over format following his impressive performances during the England tour.
A senior BCCI source told PTI that with only around 20 ODIs remaining before the World Cup, the selectors want Jaiswal to gain adequate experience as a long-term opening option.
"The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored two hundreds in three innings, gets a longer rope. There are around 20 games and Jaiswal needs to be given those games.
No one can tell Rohit to retire, but the selectors would like to look ahead from the home series against the West Indies in September. Rohit's future is a decision he needs to take," the source said.
Rohit's recent ODI form has also come under scrutiny. In his last eight innings, the veteran opener has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, registering only one half-century.
In contrast, Virat Kohli is understood to continue enjoying the confidence of the team management. Reports suggest that both head coach and chief selector Ajit Agarkar believe Kohli remains an automatic choice owing to his consistent form and fitness.
The selectors are reportedly keen to maximise Jaiswal's exposure before the World Cup, with limited ODI fixtures remaining. Continuing with Rohit beyond the England series would reduce the opportunities available to the young opener.
Rohit's relationship with the selection committee had also reportedly come into focus during his retirement from Test cricket. According to sources, the selectors were not in favour of the veteran stepping away after featuring in only two of the five Tests in England. However, those close to Rohit have maintained that he had made himself available for the entire series and had no intention of playing only two matches.
No official announcement has been made by either Rohit Sharma or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his ODI future.