Brief Scores: England (387/3) beat India (360/7) by 27 runs in the Lord’s ODI to win the three-match ODI series 2-1
Rohit Sharma’s magnificent hundred at Lord’s may have answered many questions on the field, but India captain Shubman Gill has made it clear that there has been no discussion within the dressing room about the veteran opener’s retirement.
Speaking after India’s 27-run defeat to England in the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, Gill dismissed speculation over Rohit’s future, saying the rumours had remained confined to the media and had not been discussed within the squad.
India vs England, Lord’s ODI: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Gill’s remarks came amid reports that the selectors had informed the 39-year-old that the England series would be his last in international cricket as they shift their focus to the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, there has been no official word from either Rohit or the selectors.
Having managed scores of 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs, Rohit responded in style with a magnificent 138 off 110 balls, his first ODI century at Lord’s. Despite his knock, along with Gill’s 77 and Virat Kohli’s 74, India were bowled out for 360 in pursuit of 388 as England sealed the three-match series 2-1.
Asked whether Rohit had spoken to the team about his future, Gill said: “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.”
The India captain reiterated the same message in the post-match press conference.
“We have not had a chance. I mean, he has not told us anything. I think it’s all out in the media, but there’s not been any discussion like that in the team,” Gill said.
Gill also praised Rohit’s approach during the chase, saying the veteran opener remained composed despite the enormity of the target.
“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 said.
Earlier, while speaking to the host broadcaster, Gill also praised both Rohit and Virat Kohli for keeping India in the chase.
“I mean, they have done really well over the years in different parts of the world. And very, very pleased with how Rohit Bhai batted today, especially getting 140. And I think the wicket got a little bit slow in the end. It wasn’t easy to hit those runs. But I think the way he batted was really a treat to watch,” he said.
Rohit had walked into the series decider under intense scrutiny after reports suggested the selectors were looking beyond the former captain with the 2027 World Cup in mind. The century, his 34th in ODIs and the first by an Indian batter at Lord’s, served as a reminder of his enduring quality.
The speculation was also dismissed by the BCCI. Secretary Devajit Saikia categorically denied reports that Rohit had been informed the Lord’s ODI would be his final appearance for India.
“There are a lot of speculations going on in the media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday,” Saikia told PTI.
Saikia reiterated that Rohit remains firmly in India’s ODI plans.
“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, Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” he said.
Rohit has never hidden his ambition of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. While his form before the Lord’s ODI had come under scrutiny, the innings at Lord’s reaffirmed his ability to deliver on the biggest stage, even though India finished on the losing side.
– Ends
