Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has remarked that BCCI selectors should communicate clearly with veteran players like Rohit Sharma about their future, amid rumors that the 39-year-old will retire after the third and final One-Day International against England at Lord's on Sunday.
Social media was ablaze with reports stating that the Lord’s ODI would be Rohit Sharma’s final appearance in Indian colors. Rohit has been in poor form in ODIs in 2026, scoring 241 runs in 8 games with only one fifty. In the ongoing ODI series, Rohit has managed just 37 runs in two matches.
Karthik believed that senior players deserved to end their careers respectfully but acknowledged that there were no guaranteed fairytale endings in sports.
“It will need a lot of communication, a lot of clarity, and it’s not easy. Then you have the players themselves, who are obviously making a mark with every game they play. In every tournament they go to, they perform so well, and it is not easy to keep them out.
But having said all of that, there is a way in which some of the seniors will want to finish, and I do wish they were given that opportunity because of what they’ve achieved for the country. But in saying that, it is not the easiest thing to achieve because sometimes not all fairy tales have a happy ending,” Karthik told Wisden’s “The Scoop” podcast.
Karthik further talked about chief BCCI selector Ajit Agarkar and stated that it is not easy to decide between one of the finest white-ball players and not keeping some talented youngsters on the bench when they are in their prime.
“Right now, India is at a place where no other cricketing nation is. The number of cricketers that could fill up spots across the XI for any player is obviously the highest it has ever been, and it is definitely the highest right now among any cricketing nation.
So, there is going to be pressure for every player involved, and that’s what makes playing for the country right now so much more difficult. As a selector as well, it’s not easy. If you’re sitting in Ajit Agarkar’s chair, to weigh the possibility of having a current superstar or one that could be a superstar in a few years, we’re talking about some of the greatest that have played the game,” Karthik said.
Karthik stated that regardless of when and where Sharma retired, his reputation as one of India's greatest white-ball players was undeniable.
“Irrespective of whenever he [Rohit] finishes, I do feel he’s been one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers. The kind of attitude he’s brought to the table, and the kind of memories he’s created on and off the field with so many players, is what will keep him smiling for the rest of his life,” he said.
The final ODI between India and England will be played on July 19 at Lord’s.
