Rohit Sharma hits 132 at Lord’s as retirement talk persists

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Rohit Sharma scored 132 off 107 balls in the third ODI against England at Lord’s, answering retirement speculation with his 34th ODI century even as India lost the series decider and the bilateral series 1-2.

England gave India 388 runs to chase, and Rohit opened with Shubman Gill. Rohit reached 50 at close to a run a ball before accelerating from 69 off 69 balls to 121 off 100, adding 52 runs from his next 31 deliveries.

Rohit’s innings included five sixes and ended when Jacob Bethell dismissed him for 132. The century was Rohit’s eighth in England and, according to the Times of India report, the first ODI century by an Indian batter at Lord’s.

Shubman Gill praises Rohit’s control of the chase

India captain Shubman Gill said Rohit’s management of the new ball and subsequent acceleration were central to India’s pursuit of 388.

“I think the way Rohit bhai paced his innings was outstanding,” Gill said. “During the Powerplay, we spoke about whether we should go after the bowling or not, but we know it’s not easy to attack against the new ball. The way he paced his innings and then accelerated was exceptional.”

Rohit and Virat Kohli added 113 runs before Rohit’s dismissal. Kohli then scored 74 off 60 balls, with four fours and three sixes, before Sam Curran removed him. Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were also dismissed during the chase.

Retirement reports remain unconfirmed

Rohit said his focus remained on representing India and contributing with the bat, while Gill said the India team had held no retirement discussion with the opener.

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“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent the team,” Rohit said after the match. “What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is right now.”

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had denied that the Lord’s ODI would be Rohit’s last match. Gill repeated after the game that Rohit had not informed the team of any retirement decision.

“He’s not told us anything,” Gill said. “I think it’s all out in the media, but there’s not been any discussion like that in the team.”

Rohit and Kohli add runs but India lose the series

Rohit finished the three-match series with 175 runs, while Kohli accumulated 144 runs across the three ODIs, but England secured the bilateral series 2-1.

Rohit also reflected on batting with Kohli after the pair played their 400th match together. “We played our entire career together, so it was nice to have him in the middle,” Rohit said. “We’ve had a lot of partnerships. It’s always fun batting together. We understand each other so well.”

India’s next ODI assignment is scheduled against the West Indies in September, followed by matches in New Zealand in November and against Sri Lanka in December. The source report did not identify the Lord’s match as Rohit’s final international appearance.