Rohit Sharma delivered a masterful 138 off 110 balls in the 3rd ODI between India and England on Sunday (July 19).
At the iconic Lord's stadium, Rohit gave
a perfect reply with the bat after a couple of underwhelming outings. Despite his knock, India lost the match and lost the series.
Rohit's innings featured 17 fours and five sixes. Becoming the first Indian to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, the "Hitman" provided a timely reminder of his class as India chased a daunting 387, finishing at 360/7 and losing by 27 runs. England, powered by Ben Duckett's century, clinched the series 2-1.
Amid swirling retirement speculation ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit's explosive innings was indeed necessary. There were reports which concluded Rohit's imminent retirement after the Lord's match, as selectors reportedly told him that they were looking beyond him for the 2027 World Cup.
But contrary to the reports, the BCCI firmly dismissed rumours, with secretary Devajit Saikia confirming Rohit remains integral to India's plans.
And Rohit's knock on Sunday has brought in a new twist in the saga. The 39-year-old's current status is unknown, and after the match, India captain Shubman Gill couldn't provide any major update.
"We have not had a chance. He has not told us anything. I think it's probably in the media. Not been in discussion at all," Gill said at the post-match press conference.
The India captain heaped praises on Rohit after his brilliant century, which meant the Mumbaikar became the first Indian to score an ODI century at the iconic ground.
"I think the way Rohit bhai faced the bowlers, he was very calm. Most of the time, I was a non-striker, and watching him, he was very calm. In the powerplay, we were talking about whether to go for a hit or not, but we saw that hitting with a new ball is not that easy. And I think the way he faced the bowlers, and the way he accelerated, I think he got close to 60-70 in quick time. So, he was very calm," Gill added.
India's next ODI assignment is in September in a three-match ODI series against West Indies, and time will tell if Rohit is picked for that one, which shall give a clearer light on the veteran's future.
