Rohit Sharma’s slowest ODI innings sparks calls for Yashasvi Jaiswal at Cardiff

Rohit Sharma’s woeful 26 off 47 balls at Sophia Gardens on 15 July has handed critics fresh ammunition to push for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s promotion to India’s ODI opening slot.

What happened in the 2nd ODI?

Rohit Sharma laboured through his slowest ODI innings on record among knocks of at least 25 runs, managing just 26 off 47 deliveries before Will Jacks trapped him lbw. The Cardiff surface offered little pace, yet Rohit managed only two fours and a six while Shubman Gill blazed 46 off 41 at the other end. Two close calls-first a dropped chance at long leg, then a mistimed pull sailing over the rope-kept him alive, but his strike rate of 55.31 underlined his struggle.

Why it matters for Rohit Sharma

At 39, Rohit’s age and form now collide with India’s 2027 World Cup timeline. His strike rate over the last year sits near 80 in ODIs, far below Gill’s 95 and Jaiswal’s 104 in recent outings. Fans on X (Twitter) erupted, with @RR_forever2008 writing: “If Gill and BCCI are serious about WC27 they need to drop this Rohit and Kishan and back Jaiswal as much as can.” Another user, @153Centurion, called him “this unfit 41-year-old” eating Jaiswal’s spot.

The Jaiswal debate gains steam

Jaiswal’s last ODI century-49-ball 100 against Ireland in December-still haunts selectors. His left-handed aggression could balance Gill’s right-hand dominance at the top, while Rohit’s reluctance to rotate strike cripples the middle order. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar told *ESPNcricinfo* last month that “the top order needs firepower, not hesitation.” Jaiswal’s domestic returns-750 runs at 62.50 in T20s and 320 in four List A games this year-outshine Rohit’s 180 runs across five ODIs in 2024.

What comes next?

India’s selectors face a brutal choice: gamble on Rohit’s World Cup legacy or hand the opener’s slot to a 22-year-old averaging 68 in his last 10 ODIs. The next ODI is scheduled for 17 July in London; a repeat dud could force BCCI’s hand. Rohit’s contract expires after the series, leaving his future hanging by a thread.

Rohit Sharma’s Cardiff flop has turned the spotlight on a simple question: is the World Cup too soon for sentiment?