If Rohit Sharma retires, an era of cricket will come to an end, says Dinesh Lad

Dinesh Lad, Rohit Sharma's childhood coach, has made an emotional appeal for the veteran batter to continue his ODI career and pursue the 2027 World Cup. The third and final ODI between India and England will take place at Lord's on Sunday, with reports suggesting it could mark Rohit's last appearance in the format. The former India captain has been informed by selectors that he is no longer part of their long-term ODI planning beyond the England series.

The Indian selection committee has conveyed to Rohit that he is not part of the team's long-term ODI plans, with selectors preparing a younger squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup and wanting to give more opportunities to players like Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rohit has struggled so far in the series against England, managing just 11 runs in the first match at Edgbaston before scoring 26 off 47 balls in Cardiff. Lad did not directly criticise the selection committee's decision but remained hopeful about Rohit's prospects in the 50-over format.

"If he retires, it will definitely be the end of an era. Rohit is a great player. His form fluctuates, but that doesn't mean he's a bad player. I can't comment on the selectors' thinking, but I want to see him play in the World Cup," Dinesh Lad said on ABP News.

The childhood coach believes Rohit deserves another shot at a global showdown. Lad is certain that his student should remain active at least until the 2027 ODI World Cup, as he deserves to be in the squad, and it is his dream to see Rohit Sharma playing the upcoming World Cup for India. The 39-year-old has been a force in ODI cricket throughout his career and his pulling prowess remains a unique weapon in the format.

The third match at Lord's on Sunday will be decisive, not only for the series but potentially for Rohit's international future. Whether selectors will reconsider their stance after the England tour or if Rohit will make his exit official after Lord's remains uncertain. The cricketing world will watch closely as one of the modern era's most accomplished batters faces what could be his final ODI appearance at cricket's most iconic ground.