Reports: Rohit Sharma’s parents arrive in London to watch son’s last international match at Lord’s

Star cricketer Rohit Sharma‘s parents – father Gurunath Sharma and mother Purnima Sharma – have reportedly reached London ahead of the third ODI between England and India at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19.

Multiple reports have confirmed that the game on Sunday is set to be the last international match for Rohit with the Indian team, since the BCCI’s senior selection committee plans not to pick him in the format beyond the England tour, keeping in mind the future prospects of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

As a result, the third ODI is all set to be the last ever match for Rohit for the Indian team, which has prompted his parents to reach London to witness the special occasion, according to Crex. Sources suggest that Rohit was already aware of the development regarding his future in international cricket and thus had made arrangements for his family to be present at the ground for the farewell match. This development carries emotional weight given the veteran batter’s legendary career spanning nearly two decades.

The selectors, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, have decided it is time to look ahead and give younger players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, an extended run in the 50-over format. Rohit had expressed his desire to continue playing more ODI cricket and had also worked extensively on his fitness during the off-season to prolong his playing career. Unfortunately, he was left in a state of disappointment after his discussion with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee during the ongoing tour. It must be noted that there has been no official confirmation from Rohit Sharma or the BCCI regarding his retirement.

How have Rohit’s recent performances influenced the BCCI’s decision?

After scoring 11 in the opener at Edgbaston, the 39-year-old managed 26 off 47 balls in Cardiff before being dismissed. Across his last eight ODI innings, he has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.1, registering just one half-century. The dip in form appears to have played a significant role in the selectors’ thinking about the squad’s future direction for the 2027 World Cup.

What is the current state of the England series?

India won the first ODI at Edgbaston by 6 wickets, with England then winning the second ODI at Cardiff by 4 wickets, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. The third ODI at Lord’s on July 19 will be a decisive shootout between the two sides, and should Rohit play, it will carry added significance.

Rohit has already retired from two international formats. He retired from T20 Internationals on June 29, 2024, shortly after captaining India to the T20 World Cup title and announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, ahead of India’s tour of England. An ODI exit would complete his international farewell across all three formats.

The Mumbai batter’s future will remain uncertain until after Sunday’s match at cricket’s most iconic ground. Whatever the outcome, this fixture promises to be a watershed moment in his illustrious international journey, if at all the reports are to be believed.