Hayden delivers reality check over Rohit Sharma's future: 'You're inevitably asked whether…'

With Rohit now entering the latter stages of his international career, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden believes questions over his future are inevitable.

Rohit Sharma’s future remains a major talking point in Indian cricket with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon. The veteran opener has made his desire to feature in the tournament clear, but the selectors are yet to settle on India’s long-term combination. During the England tour, there was speculation that the ODI series could be Rohit’s last, but he responded in emphatic fashion with a stunning century at Lord’s to strengthen his case. Rohit finished the three-match series with 175 runs at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31. His standout performance came in the series decider, where he smashed 138 off 110 balls, hitting 17 fours and five sixes, during India’s 388-run chase. Despite Rohit’s efforts, India fell short by 27 runs, but his innings gave the 38-year-old another strong reminder of his value.

Rohit Sharma has made a statement with a century in Lord's ODI. (ANI Pic Service)

With Rohit now entering the latter stages of his international career, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden believes questions over his future are inevitable. Hayden pointed out that similar discussions have surrounded several Indian greats as they approached the end of their careers. He suggested that Rohit’s age naturally brings the question of how long he can continue, and whether international cricket or the IPL could be the first format he gives up.

"Look, when you get to the age Rohit is at, you start facing those questions. Before him, it was Virat, and before that, it was Gautam Gambhir. It just goes on and on. You can't play this beautiful game forever. When you reach that stage of your career, you're inevitably asked whether it will be the IPL or international cricket that goes first," Hayden told ANI.

Hayden believes Rohit’s decision will ultimately come down to how long he feels capable of handling the demands of international cricket. With the veteran already retired from Tests, the former Australia opener suggested that the physical demands of the ODI format could become an important factor as Rohit weighs his future.

"Rohit has already retired from Test cricket, so ultimately, only he can know whether he still fights a lion to keep charging through what is an incredibly demanding schedule. You need a young man's energy to compete at the very highest level. So, in the end, it will be entirely his call," Hayden said.