Overview
- Multiple Indian outlets report the selection committee has decided Rohit Sharma will no longer be the automatic ODI opener after the England series, with the July 19 Lord’s match likely to determine his short-term future.
- Citing India’s laboured batting in Cardiff and Joe Root’s unbeaten 99, coverage on July 16 said Rohit made 26 off 47 as England levelled the series and selectors pressed their move.
- Team management publicly backed Rohit, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak saying the 39-year-old faces no pressure and attributing his low scores to conditions rather than form decline.
- Reports say the panel wants to give extended runs to younger options such as Yashasvi Jaiswal to prepare a settled opening pair for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
- Rohit’s age, recent dip in ODI big scores and limited match practice are cited as factors in the selection view while Washington Sundar’s hamstring injury during the series has also affected India’s balance.