Speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future has intensified ahead of India’s third and final ODI against England at Lord’s, with former Pakistan captain Basit Ali suggesting that Virat Kohli could also decide to retire if pressure on senior players continues.
The debate began after reports claimed that BCCI selectors were preparing to move on from Rohit Sharma following the England series. However, the BCCI later denied the reports, stating that Rohit remains part of India’s ODI plans as long as he is in contention for selection.
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Basit Ali urged the Indian management not to judge Rohit solely on his performances in the first two ODIs against England. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he claimed that excessive pressure from the team management could influence major decisions and even hinted that Virat Kohli might consider retirement.
“If today it is Rohit’s turn, then next time it could be Virat’s. Given the way Virat retired from Test cricket, both could announce retirement at Lord’s if too much pressure is applied,” Ali said.
Despite the speculation, Kohli’s ODI numbers remain exceptional. Since October 2025, he has scored 686 runs in 11 ODIs at an average above 76, including three centuries. His recent 65 against England further strengthened his place in India’s batting order.
Rohit, meanwhile, has scored 589 runs in 14 ODIs during the same period at an average of over 45. While those figures remain respectable, the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal has intensified competition for the opening spot.
Rohit has already retired from T20Is and Test cricket, leaving ODIs as his only active international format. Across 286 ODIs, he has amassed over 11,700 runs, including 32 centuries and the record-breaking individual score of 264.
Although reports continue to speculate about his future, there has been no official indication that Rohit or Kohli plan to retire after the Lord’s ODI.
