Rohit Sharma is struggling for runs in the ongoing England tour.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and the Gautam Gambhir-headed team management have reportedly decided to move on from veteran opener Rohit Sharma in ODIs, making the ongoing series against England his last assignment in the format.
In contrast, No.3 stalwart Virat Kohli remains central to their plans and is considered an automatic pick for the 2027 World Cup, slated to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rohit has looked a pale shadow of himself in the ongoing England series, returning with scores of 11 (21 balls) and 26 (47 balls) in two outings. His laboured, defensive approach has sparked speculations that the selectors are looking to transition to younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal for the quadrennial event.
Notably, the 24-year-old Jaiswal has slammed two centuries in his last three ODI innings. Despite his rich vein of form, the southpaw failed to make the cut for England tour as Rohit was preferred by the selectors.
According to a latest PTI repot, however, chief selector Agarkar is believed to be aligned with the panel's broader vision of building towards the next World Cup, and hence the call on Rohit has been taken.
"There are close to 20 ODIs before the World Cup, and the selectors want Jaiswal to get an extended run in the side. That continuity is important for his development," a senior BCCI source quoted as saying by the news agency.
The source also added that the selectors have communicated this transition clearly, though the final decision on when to officially step away has been left in Rohit’s hand.
Reports also suggest that Rohit Sharma tried speaking to top BCCI officials after Agarkar's ultimatum, but their response left him unhappy.
On the other hand, both Agarkar and Gambhir are reportedly on the same page when it comes to Kohli. They have no qualms about his fitness and form, and hence Kohli has been shortlisted as a starter for the showpiece tournament.