Rohit Sharma Returns to Training as ODI Future Remains Under Spotlight

Former India captain Rohit Sharma has resumed training at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s facility in Bandra-Kurla Complex, intensifying his preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies. The 39-year-old, who last featured for India during the away series against England in July, has returned to the nets after a brief break, with videos of his running drills circulating on social media. Watch here-

Former India captain Rohit Sharma trains at the @MumbaiCricAssoc facilty in BKC..the veteran batsman is preparing for the ODI series against West Indiesz which will start from Sept 27 💪👍👍 pic.twitter.com/8d0DhYPDlO

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) August 19, 2026

The series, which begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, could prove pivotal for the veteran opener as he seeks to strengthen his case for a place in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Rohit has made clear his intention to feature in the tournament despite having retired from Test and T20I cricket.

Form and Fitness

Rohit’s most recent ODI outing showcased his enduring class. After scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches against England, he responded with a spectacular 138 off 110 balls at Lord’s, an innings featuring 17 fours and five sixes that ended an 11-ODI wait for a century. The innings briefly silenced speculation that the Lord’s fixture would serve as his farewell appearance.

Overall, Rohit has accumulated 11,895 runs in 288 ODIs at an average of 48.95, with 34 centuries and 62 fifties. His unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket history.

The BCCI has stated that Rohit’s future will be assessed on a series-by-series basis, with secretary Devajit Saikia confirming in July that no decision had been taken regarding his ODI retirement. Rohit has also received support from former teammate Ajinkya Rahane, who recently urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to offer the veteran clarity about his role in the World Cup plans.

Selection Debate Intensifies

Despite his Lord’s century, questions persist over Rohit’s place in the 50-over setup. His age remains a key factor, as he will turn 40 during the 2027 World Cup, prompting calls from some quarters for a transition towards younger options such as Yashasvi Jaiswal. Reports of differences between Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar regarding the team’s long-term direction have also surfaced, though these remain unconfirmed.

The upcoming series against West Indies, followed by the second and third ODIs in Guwahati and New Chandigarh on September 30 and October 3 respectively, will offer Rohit an immediate opportunity to reaffirm his value. His performances across the three matches may go some way towards determining whether the ‘Hitman’ remains integral to India’s ODI plans or whether the selectors will look to build towards the future without him.

                                               

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