BCCI backing of Rohit Sharma reportedly leaves selectors feeling ‘betrayed’

Rohit Sharma’s international future came under intense scrutiny last month after reports suggested that the final ODI against England at Lord’s could be his farewell appearance for India.

The speculation gained momentum after Rohit scored 11 and 26 in the opening two matches of the series. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly dismissed the retirement rumours two days before the Lord’s ODI, saying Rohit would remain part of the Indian team as long as he continued to be in the team’s plans.

Report claims differences between selectors and BCCI

The episode exposed differences between India’s selectors and the BCCI’s top leadership, as per reports.

The report claimed that the Indian team management did not want Rohit to be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup plans. It also alleged that a selector had discussed the matter with a senior BCCI official and that Rohit had been informed about the team management’s view.

After the second ODI against England on July 16, reports emerged claiming that the former India captain would retire after the Lord’s ODI, triggering widespread debate on social media.

Rohit responds with century at Lord’s

Rohit responded with a commanding century, scoring 138 runs against England at Lord’s.

The innings made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s and the oldest Indian to score a hundred in international cricket. More importantly, it was widely seen as a strong statement about his intention to continue playing and remain in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Selectors reportedly unhappy after public backing

The report further claimed that some selectors felt “betrayed” after the BCCI publicly backed Rohit.

According to the report, they believed the board’s stance had shifted because of the narrative on social media, while the team management continued to feel that India could not win the 2027 ODI World Cup with Rohit in the side.

Agarkar’s future also under speculation

The report also linked the controversy to uncertainty over chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s future.

It claimed that the BCCI was considering former India batter VVS Laxman, who currently heads the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, as a possible replacement for Agarkar.

The proposal is reportedly at the consideration stage, with a final decision expected at the BCCI Annual General Meeting in September. The report added that Agarkar’s future could depend on India’s performance in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.