Rohit Sharma walked into the ODI series decider against England at Lord’s under immense pressure, but the veteran opener responded in the most emphatic fashion possible — with a historic century at the Home of Cricket.
Rohit became the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s, producing a magnificent innings that not only kept India alive in their daunting chase of 388 but also silenced speculation surrounding his future in international cricket.
Amid the celebrations of Rohit’s sensational knock, a fascinating detail caught the attention of fans on social media. During the innings, the Indian captain was seen using a bat that did not carry the usual manufacturer’s label. Instead, the toe of the willow had the name of his Mumbai teammate Shardul Thakur inscribed on it.
Thakur, who is currently part of the Hindi commentary panel for Sony Sports Network, later revealed that the bat used by Rohit was one he had gifted to the veteran batter.
The unusual sight of Rohit wielding a bat bearing another player’s name quickly became a talking point online, adding a unique subplot to one of the most memorable innings of his career.
Coming into the match, Rohit had been under scrutiny following a lean run of form in ODI cricket. At 39, reports had suggested that India’s selectors were considering younger options ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. However, Rohit answered his critics in style, taking apart England’s bowling attack and reaching his century in just 84 balls.
His knock was historic on multiple counts. Rohit surpassed Sourav Ganguly’s previous highest ODI score at Lord’s — 90 against England in 2004 — to become the first Indian to score an ODI century at the venue.
The hundred was also the 34th ODI century of Rohit’s illustrious career, further cementing his place among the greatest batters in the format. In addition, it marked his eighth ODI century in England, the most by any visiting batter in a single country.
On a day when questions surrounded his future, Rohit Sharma delivered a statement innings for the ages — and did so with a bat that carried the name of a teammate, making the moment even more special.
