New Delhi. There was only one hot discussion in the corridors of cricket for the last few days: Is Rohit Sharma’s time over? Is this Lord’s ground going to prove to be the last stop of his ODI career? The news regarding the future plans of the selectors and the head coach had given rise to rumors that the 39-year-old former captain may soon announce his retirement. The pressure was like a mountain and everyone’s eyes were on Rohit’s every step. But when Rohit Sharma came out on the historic ground of Lord’s on Sunday, he did not make any announcement of retirement, but made a roar with his bat which completely silenced his critics. Even though India lost by 27 runs in this decisive three-match battle and England won the series 2-1, this match will always be remembered for Rohit Sharma’s indomitable courage and never-say-die spirit.
The Indian team, which was chasing the huge and seemingly impossible target of 388 runs, needed a start that could change history. Rohit Sharma did exactly the same. He played such an aggressive and courageous inning of 138 runs in just 110 balls, which included 17 brilliant fours and 5 skyscraper sixes. Rohit along with captain Shubman Gill (77 runs) made a strong partnership of 147 runs for the first wicket. After Gill’s dismissal, Rohit added 113 runs with his old partner Virat Kohli (74 runs) and at one point brought India to the threshold of victory.
Rohit Sharma did not retire.
Rohit Sharma created history… became the first Indian to score a century at Lord’s, broke Sourav Ganguly’s record
Rohit neither took off his helmet nor celebrated his century.
When Rohit completed the 34th century of his ODI career, there was no extra emotion on his face. Neither did he wave his bat in the air nor did he greet the thunderous applause from the famous ‘Members’ Balcony’ of Lord’s. His silence was telling the story of the struggle and passion going on within him. Rohit, playing his last ODI on English soil, showed that even though he is 39 years old, the lion within him is still as hungry. His inclusion in the plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup now seems to be a mere formality.
Thought it was better to answer on the playground itself
With every press conference, team announcement and practice session, the market of speculations about Rohit Sharma’s future was becoming heated. However, Rohit never publicly participated in this debate or gave any reaction. When the right time came, instead of talking about it, he let his bat do the talking and found it better to answer the critics on the field of play.
Rohit showed great patience in the initial overs
In the beginning, this innings was not like any indiscriminate attack at all, because the fast bowlers of England asked many sharp questions with the new ball. Rohit showed great composure in the initial overs, respected the conditions, left the balls going outside the off-stump and patiently waited for the right opportunities. Along with captain Shubman Gill, he ensured that India did not lose early wickets as the team chased the biggest target in ODI history at Lord’s.
Rohit made a series of records
Rohit Sharma has become the first Indian batsman to score a century in ODI at the historic ground of Lord’s. He surpassed the record of 90 runs made by Sourav Ganguly against England in 2004, which was till now the highest individual score by an Indian at this ground. This is another milestone for Rohit on this most prestigious ground of cricket, which has added a new historic chapter to his illustrious ODI career. With this, by scoring a century at the age of 39 years and 80 days, Rohit has become the oldest batsman to score an ODI century at Lord’s. He has also become the oldest Indian cricketer to score an international century across all formats, giving a befitting reply to those questioning his future.
Rohit scored his eighth ODI century in England, Sachin left behind
Apart from this, Rohit has also made a new record of scoring most ODI centuries in a foreign country. This was his 8th ODI century on the soil of England, with which he has defeated the great batsmen of the world. This list includes names like Sachin Tendulkar (7 centuries in UAE), Saeed Anwar (7 centuries in UAE), AB de Villiers (7 centuries in India) and Quinton de Kock (7 centuries in India), from whom Rohit Sharma has now overtaken.
