India captain Rohit Sharma could be playing his final One-Day International when the team faces England in the third ODI at Lord's on Sunday, with the national selection committee reportedly planning to move in a new direction after the ongoing series.

The veteran opener has struggled for consistency in recent matches, scoring 241 runs in his last eight ODIs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, with just one half-century during that period.

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Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar is currently with the team in Cardiff as the touring selector, and indications suggest that the 39-year-old is no longer part of the selectors' long-term plans leading into next year's ODI World Cup.

According to a senior BCCI source familiar with the selection process, the committee wants to invest in young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who impressed with two centuries in three innings.

"The national selectors are keen that Yashasvi Jaiswal who scored two hundreds in three innings get a longer rope. There are around 20 games and Jaiswal needs to be given those 20 games.
"No one can tell Rohit to retire but this is very clear that going forward for the home series vs West Indies in September, the selectors would like to look forward. Rohit's future is a decision that he needs to take," a senior BCCI source privy to selection matters told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The report also stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar are aligned in their views regarding the senior players. While Virat Kohli continues to enjoy the backing of the team management because of his fitness and current form, Rohit's position appears far less certain.

It is understood that extending Rohit's run in the ODI side beyond the England series could limit opportunities for Jaiswal, who is considered next in line and is expected to be given adequate game time ahead of the World Cup.

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The report further noted that Rohit's Test retirement was also marked by differences in perspective between the player and the selection committee.

Sources close to the selectors maintained that they did not want Rohit making a retirement decision midway through the five-Test series in England. However, individuals familiar with Rohit's stance claimed he had never intended to feature in only two Tests and had made himself available for the entire series. (PTI)