Matthew Hayden delivers reality check over Rohit Sharma's future

Matthew Hayden has offered perspective on Rohit Sharma's international cricket future, noting that the decision ultimately rests with himself. Hayden's comments come after Sharma's productive performance against England in July, where he accumulated 175 runs across the three-match ODI series at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31.

Hayden told that Sharma's retirement decision will ultimately depend on whether he still has the hunger, energy and desire to cope with the demands of top-level cricket. At 39 years old, Sharma has already retired from Test cricket and T20 internationals, leaving his ODI future as the remaining question mark over his international career.

"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 said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

What Hayden said about Rohit's future decision

The former Australian opener emphasised the physical and mental toll required to perform at international level. Competing at the highest level demands sustained intensity and commitment across a demanding schedule that tests even the most experienced players. Rohit has already retired from Test cricket, and Hayden stressed that only the Indian captain himself can truly know whether he possesses the energy to continue.

"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.

During India's three-match ODI series against England in July, Sharma demonstrated his batting prowess despite the team losing the series 2-1. In the series decider at Lord's, 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. Before the third ODI, speculation had mounted that the series decider at the iconic venue would be his last international match for India, given his previous retirements from other formats.