ISLAMABAD: The iconic balcony at Lord’s has witnessed countless farewells. On Sunday, it could witness another, perhaps the most emotional of them all. Rohit Sharma, India’s swashbuckling opener and one of the greatest ODI batters to ever grace the game, is reportedly set to play his final international innings at the historic venue, bringing down the curtain on a glittering career that redefined limited-overs batting.
The Indian selectors have told the 39-year-old that he is no longer in their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, effectively leaving the decision to retire in his hands.
💔 Heartbroken by reports that Rohit Sharma isn’t in BCCI’s 2027 WC plans.
Hitman gave us everything that magical 264, T20 glory, calm leadership through every high and low. He worked hard on his fitness, still delivered when it mattered… yet this feels so unfair.
Lord’s… pic.twitter.com/D32cZs65ZK
— BiswaaX (@BiswaaX) July 16, 2026
With the third ODI against England scheduled for Sunday, the cricket world is bracing for the end of an era, a farewell that could rival the greats who have walked off the Lord’s turf before him.
A career defined by records and grace
Rohit Sharma’s numbers read like poetry. In 269 ODIs, he has amassed 11,757 runs at an average of 48.58, making him the seventh-highest run-scorer in the format’s history. He holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs, an astonishing 264, and remains the only batter to have scored three double-centuries in the format. His 33 centuries place him third on the all-time list, behind only Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.
🚨 Heartbreaking News for Rohit Sharma Fans 😔💔
Lord’s, the iconic ground where legends are made, could witness Rohit Sharma’s final ODI for India on 19 July
According to reports, the selectors have already conveyed to the Hitman that he is not part of India’s 2027 World Cup… pic.twitter.com/tGm7fYSZz9
— Sonu (@sonucnc) July 16, 2026
Five of those centuries came during India’s 2019 ODI World Cup campaign, a tournament record that showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage. He led India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and, months later, lifted the Champions Trophy in March 2025 as captain.
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The final chapter at cricket’s cathedral
The third ODI at Lord’s could be the final chapter of a story that began when a young Rohit made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2007. Now, 19 years later, he walks out at the sport’s most venerated ground, knowing it could be his last dance.
“I feel Lord’s is a special place, and if he does play his last game there, it would be a fitting farewell for a legend,” a source close to the development told reporters. “He’s given everything to Indian cricket, and Sunday will be about celebrating that, whatever the scoreboard says.”
Selectors’ decision and fitness concerns
The selectors’ decision reportedly came after weeks of deliberation, with chairman Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir aligned on prioritising younger talent for the 2027 World Cup in Africa. Multiple reports claim that concerns over Rohit’s fitness, and whether a 39-year-old could remain at peak level for the next cycle, influenced the call.
According to The Indian Express, the selection committee spoke to Rohit before the ongoing England series, informing him of their plans to invest in younger openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The report adds that Rohit was unhappy with the decision and had hoped to continue after working on his fitness. However, the management has reportedly decided to move on, leaving the final decision on retirement to the veteran himself.
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A difficult run of form
Rohit’s recent form has added to the speculation. In eight ODIs this year, he has scored 241 runs at an average of just 30.12, with only one half-century, a 79 against Afghanistan in Chennai. His scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches of the England series have done little to silence critics, though India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed him to deliver a “completely different innings” at Lord’s.
Every Indian Cricket fan is surely going to miss this jolly nature our very own Hitman Rohit Sharma 💔😥 The Cricketing legend is going to play his last ODI at Lord’s this Sunday as per The Indian Express 😕 Also, he is excluded from the list of probables for 2027 ODI WorldCup 🥺 https://t.co/VcpdziIOzo pic.twitter.com/QAifPBwYwe
— Aware Indian (@Aware_Indian7) July 16, 2026
A hamstring injury during the IPL also hampered his campaign, restricting him to nine matches where he scored 283 runs at an average of 35.37. While the strike rate of 157.22 was vintage Rohit, concerns over his fitness and longevity persisted.
Virat Kohli remains automatic selection
Notably, the selectors’ decision appears to apply only to Rohit. Multiple reports confirm that Virat Kohli, 37, remains an automatic selection owing to his exceptional form and fitness.
The contrast highlights the selectors’ belief that Rohit’s physical condition no longer meets the demands of international cricket at the highest level.
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A legend bows out
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is in 2024, after leading India to the T20 World Cup title, and from Test cricket in 2025 left ODIs as his only format. Now, that too appears set to end.
The ‘Hitman’ has already become the oldest male cricketer to play an ODI for India, surpassing Mohinder Amarnath. On Sunday, he could add a final, poignant record to his name, the last of his 269 ODI appearances.
The legend, the leader, the great – Rohit Sharma may play his last match for India at Lord’s. His dream & target remain unfulfilled. Hope all rumour goes into vain and he will play for India in WC”27.🤞🏽
“Mujhe world cup dikhta hai” – ♾️ pic.twitter.com/WpRFqLQNQA
— Rik (@samrik_seth) July 17, 2026
As the Indian team takes the field at Lord’s, the atmosphere will be electric. There will be cheers, there will be tears, and there will be a sense of history unfolding. For Rohit Sharma, Sunday isn’t just another match, it’s a farewell, a celebration, and a moment to say thank you to the fans who watched him transform from a Mumbai teenager into a cricketing immortal.
