Rohit Sharma was angry, but “agreed” to retire in July; his 2027 World Cup future uncertain despite Lord’s century- Report

BCCI is holding a high stakes meeting discuss 2027 World Cup pathway and review recent performances.

Top BCCI officials will meet the Indian team management, including coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, CoE chief VVS Laxman, and captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, in Mumbai on September 3, 2026, to discuss recent T20I failures and the pathway to the 2027 World Cup.

One of the top points on the agenda is the future of veteran opener Rohit Sharma. Sharma, who only plays ODIs for India, saw a dip in form with the bat, though he improved on the fitness side of things.

Not only Rohit, but also the futures of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja will be discussed as India steps into the ODI World Cup cycle for next year's ICC tournament in Africa.

Earlier this summer, there was widespread speculation that Rohit would be leaving international cricket. The former India captain had already retired from Tests in 2025 and T20Is in 2024; therefore, it was rumored that the July ODI series finale against England at Lord's would be his final outing in an India jersey.

A member of the selection committee, but not the chairman, reportedly told Rohit that the panel had already decided to move on, suggesting that he was no longer in its plans, according to a PTI report.

During the tour of England, Rohit was even asked if he could announce his retirement following the ODI at Lord's. There was silence from the senior India batter and those close to him, but the report cited that while he was angry, "Rohit had agreed."

However, the discussion about his retirement was paused as Rohit Sharma played a sublime knock of 138 at Lord’s, despite India losing the game and the series. However, the current report stated that the Lord’s century hasn’t guaranteed Rohit Sharma a spot in the India squad for the ICC World Cup 2027.

Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the BCCI, put an end to the rumors prior to Rohit's knock, stating that he was still here to stay. The Ajit Agarkar-led committee and the top brass of the board were at odds in the BCCI corridors since that act did not sit well with the selectors, according to a report published last month.

Agarkar's tenure was allegedly at risk due to the call. He anticipated that his position as chief selector would be extended till the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup, but whether that arrangement is still in place will also be discussed at the BCCI meeting on Thursday.