In the last few days, Indian cricket has been talking about just one man: Rohit Sharma. Questions over his international future dominated the build-up to the third ODI at Lord’s, with speculation swirling over whether this could be his final ODI or even his last international appearance. If this was the day he had to answer those questions, he did so in the only way he knows best—with the bat. Rohit smashed a magnificent 34th ODI hundred, becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s.
Yet, while Rohit answered the questions surrounding his own future, India was left with familiar questions after another defeat. What could have been the foundation for a record chase instead ended in disappointment, as India finished a gruelling tour of England with eight losses. Rohit may have won his individual battle, but England ultimately won the war.
Crucially, India’s defeat was not decided during the chase. The damage had been done much earlier. The bowling attack once again lost control at the death, conceding 126 runs in the last 10 overs, including a staggering 83 in the final five.
Death overs undo India
Ben Duckett had already laid a solid foundation for England with a superb century, while India’s bowlers once again had no answer to Joe Root. Across the three-match ODI series, India failed to dismiss Root even once. He anchored England’s innings with a century, an unbeaten 99, and two other unbeaten fifty-plus scores. By the time England posted a daunting 387, India were already facing an uphill task.
Yet, for a long time, Lord’s genuinely believed a miracle was possible. Rohit came out with aggressive intent, while Shubman Gill carried his excellent form into the match.
Rohit and Kohli’s last stand
Then came Virat Kohli to the crease. For the first time in the series, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were batting together with the chase still alive. It briefly felt like one final “Ro-Ko” masterclass was unfolding. But cricket can be cruel. Once Rohit was dismissed and Kohli followed soon after, India’s hopes effectively disappeared.
England remained firmly in control from that point, closing out the contest comfortably. The defeat capped a hugely disappointing white-ball tour, with India managing just one victory against eight losses.
No retirement talks, says Gill
After the match, this reporter asked Shubman Gill to assess the tour, particularly the ODI series. “India has competed pretty well, but just has lost some crunch moments which probably have made the difference,” he said.
Gill was also asked about the intense speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future. The India captain appeared surprised by the question, making it clear that there had been no such conversations within the team. “There has been no such discussions within the dressing room. And it’s all just a media banter,” he said.
On a day when the spotlight remained firmly on Rohit Sharma’s future, the veteran skipper responded to the speculation with one of the finest ODI hundreds of his career. India, however, returns home with bigger questions still to answer after a disappointing tour of England.
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