After India’s 1-2 ODI series loss to England, experienced opener Rohit Sharma’s century at Lord’s has ended retirement rumors, according to former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim.
After scoring 11 and 26 in the first two games, Rohit was under pressure going into the third and final ODI. The 39-year-old’s future has come under increased scrutiny due to reports that the selectors were looking past him with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
Before BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rejected the rumors, the rumors gained momentum during the second ODI in Cardiff. Saikia told PTI that the board has not discussed Lord’s being Rohit’s last international match.
Rohit played one of the best innings of his ODI career with his future under threat. The former India skipper became the first Indian and the oldest batsman to reach an ODI century at Lord’s after chasing 388 and hitting a scorching 138 off 110 balls. Even though India lost the series after falling short by 27 runs, Rohit’s knock brought attention back to his batting.
Despite losing the series, Karim claimed that Rohit’s innings and Shubman Gill’s form and leadership provided India with significant advantages.
“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.
Without Bumrah, who was sidelined for the series finale due to an impact injury to his left knee, India’s bowling assault faltered. After the Indian pace attack struggled to manage an effective batting lineup, England amassed 387 for 3.
Arshdeep Singh concluded with 0 for 72, while Prasidh Krishna finished with scores of 2 for 69. Gurnoor Brar was wicketless while conceding 97 runs in his ten overs, while Prince Yadav took one wicket but gave up 79 runs.
In order to determine the best bowling combinations for the team in advance of the 2027 World Cup, Karim stated that India’s upcoming ODI assignment in New Zealand would be essential.
“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.
Rohit only plays in the ODI format since that he has retired from Test and T20I cricket.
