For the past few days, Indian cricket has revolved around one man — Rohit Sharma. In his 19th year in international cricket, the veteran batter found himself at the centre of intense speculation after reports emerged following India’s defeat in the second ODI against England. The reports claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India selectors had decided to “move on” from Rohit, with the third ODI at Lord’s being touted as his possible final appearance in the format.
The frenzy grew so intense that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia issued an official statement to dismiss the rumours. “Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, the Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” Saikia said.
Despite the clarification, the spotlight remained firmly on Rohit, with India’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup already underway. The 39-year-old answered the scrutiny in the most emphatic manner possible, producing a magnificent century in India’s daunting chase of 388 at Lord’s.
Rohit’s hundred was historic on multiple counts. He became the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s, surpassing Sourav Ganguly’s previous highest score of 90 against England in 2004. At 39 years and 80 days, Rohit also became the oldest player to score an ODI century at the iconic venue and the oldest Indian to register an international century at Lord’s across all formats.
Earlier, Ben Duckett had dominated an inexperienced Indian bowling attack with a sublime 141, guiding England to a massive 387/3 in the series-deciding third ODI. Duckett and Jacob Bethell (91 off 93 balls) stitched together a commanding 192-run opening partnership, laying the foundation for England’s imposing total.
India sorely missed Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out with an impact injury to his left knee. The four-pronged pace attack of Prasidh Krishna (2/69), Arshdeep Singh (0/72), Prince Yadav (1/79) and Gurnoor Brar (0/97) — with a combined experience of just 51 ODIs — struggled to contain England’s in-form batting line-up.
While Axar Patel bowled his full quota for 61 runs, India’s lack of a second specialist spinner was exposed once again. With head coach Gautam Gambhir having used Kuldeep Yadav sparingly since taking charge, the absence of another spin option proved costly.
Yet, amid England’s batting onslaught, Rohit Sharma ensured the day belonged to him. Under immense pressure and surrounded by retirement rumours, the Indian captain delivered a statement innings that not only kept India alive in the chase but also reminded everyone why he remains one of the greatest ODI batters of his generation.
