Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim believes Rohit Sharma’s century at Lord’s has put an end to the retirement speculation surrounding the veteran opener after India’s 2-1 ODI series defeat to England.
Rohit came into the third and final ODI under pressure after scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches. Reports suggesting that the selectors were looking beyond the 39-year-old with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind had intensified the scrutiny around his future.
The speculation gathered pace during the second ODI in Cardiff before BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the reports. Speaking to PTI, Saikia said there had been no discussion within the board about Lord’s being Rohit’s final international appearance.
With his future dominating the conversation, Rohit produced one of the finest innings of his ODI career. Chasing 388, the former India captain struck a blazing 138 off 110 balls, becoming the first Indian and the oldest batter to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s. Although India fell 27 runs short and lost the series, Rohit’s knock shifted the focus back to his batting.
Karim said Rohit’s innings, coupled with Shubman Gill’s form and leadership, gave India enough positives despite the series defeat.
“India have ticked several boxes. Rohit’s century put an end to all the speculation surrounding him. Shubman Gill scored runs, batted with great positivity, and showed impressive leadership. So, I don’t see any major issues with the batting. India’s focus now should be on identifying the right pace bowling attack if Jasprit Bumrah isn’t available,” Karim said while speaking on JioHotstar’s *Match Centre Live*.
India’s bowling attack struggled in the absence of Bumrah, who missed the series decider because of an impact injury to his left knee. England piled up 387 for 3 after the Indian pace attack found it difficult to contain an in-form batting line-up.
Prasidh Krishna finished with figures of 2 for 69, while Arshdeep Singh returned 0 for 72. Prince Yadav claimed one wicket but conceded 79 runs, and Gurnoor Brar went wicketless, giving away 97 runs in his 10 overs.
Karim said India’s next ODI assignment in New Zealand would be crucial in helping the team identify the right bowling combinations ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“In these conditions, our young and inexperienced pace bowlers struggled a bit. That’s why the upcoming five-match ODI tour of New Zealand will be a real test to evaluate these combinations. You need a wrist spinner who can provide wickets in the middle overs. Whether that’s Kuldeep Yadav or someone else is a different discussion. India need to plan more thoroughly according to the opposition, the conditions, and the ground dimensions, and then take the field with the right resources and the right combination,” Karim added.
Having already retired from Test and T20I cricket, Rohit now features only in the ODI format.
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