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R Ashwin questions selectors’ timing after controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma

Samira Vishwas | July 19, 2026 5:24 PM CST

With a few hours left to go for the final ODI versus England on Sunday, it is safe to say Indian cricket is heading towards its most testing phase. Rohit Sharma’s future will be the main point of focus as the two sides get down to play the crucial game at Lord’s. During the second ODI on Thursday, reports came out that the veteran could be playing his final ODI game at the iconic venue.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the selectors over the latest happenings around the star player. 39-year-old on his YouTube channel was heard saying, “If we are going to South Africa in September and October, we need to ask ourselves, do we need Rohit and Virat? Yes, we need that experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal is pushing hard, but if a selector, coach, or captain feels we don’t need these players, why wasn’t it communicated to them after the Champions Trophy ended?”

Ashwin also said that any player can have one bad series, but it is important to communicate. “If you go to a player and tell him that we want to move on from you, no player will like that. Even when the coach came to Australia and told me they wanted to look past me, I accepted it. One bad series can happen to any player, but you have to communicate with the player,” he added.

“Rohit and Virat have been performing well. If you really wanted to make such a transition, why has this discussion only now, in July 2026, when there are only 10 to 12 months left before the Cricket World Cup?” he mentioned.

Team India’s preparations hit by off-the-field controversies

Having won the first ODI at Edgbaston, the visiting side went to Cardiff with a 1-0 lead in the series. Joe Root’s 99 not out ensured the hosts won the game by four wickets to find parity ahead of the final ODI on Sunday.

Shubman Gill would be contemplating decisions regarding team composition after Washington Sundar was ruled out. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be an obvious choice to make his way back into the XI. Arshdeep Singh could also get a look-in at the expense of Prasidh Krishna or Gurnoor Brar.