There has been so much speculation surrounding the future of veteran Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, who only remains active in ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is. Recently, the highly experienced batter put an end to talk about his international future after pummelling a century against England in the third and final ODI at Lord's, blasting 138 off 110 balls.

Notably, during the series rumours started to swirl around in the wake of India’s defeat in the second ODI against England that the final ODI at Lord’s could be Rohit’s final appearance in Indian colours. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had denied those talks. Now, giving his insight into Rohit’s future plan, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believed that Rohit Sharma has decided to leave it to selectors to decide his future in the team. 

“Yes, one thing has become clear. At times, members of the coaching staff come out and say, ‘We have given Rohit Sharma complete freedom to play his natural game.’ But nobody has yet made a clear statement saying, ‘Rohit Sharma is part of our plans for the 2027 World Cup.’ That statement also needs to come. Rohit Sharma’s form will naturally go up and down. He may have a poor series, but the management must say that it is standing behind him. Along with giving him freedom, they should also clearly say that they support him," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

"Since no such statement has been made, there is considerable confusion and a lot of doubt. We are sitting outside, so we do not know exactly what is happening internally. But it appears to me that Rohit Sharma has now decided that he will not walk away on his own," he said.

Kaif also pondered that there has been the lack of clarity from the management with respect to Rohit’s future in the team. 

"Twice, he has taken the decision himself. The report that the Lord’s match could be his final ODI was also framed as a possibility. There was a question mark attached to it. But when such reports emerge, they can quickly become much bigger. The BCCI did a very good job by making a statement before the Lord’s match. That intervention became a turning point," Kaif said.