Lord Rohit Sharma’s hundred ends retirement speculation: Saba Karim

Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim believes Rohit Sharma’s century at Lord’s ended retirement speculation surrounding the veteran opener following India’s 2-1 ODI series defeat by England.

Rohit came into the third and final ODI under pressure after scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches. Reports suggesting the selectors were looking beyond the 39-year-old with a view to the 2027 ODI World Cup have intensified scrutiny over his future.

Speculations intensified during the second ODI in Cardiff before BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the reports. I am talking to PTI, Saikia said there was no discussion in advice about Lord’s being Rohit’s final international appearance.

With his future dominating the conversation, Rohit produced one of the best innings of his ODI career. Chasing 388, the former India captain hit a spectacular 110-ball 138 to become the first Indian and the oldest batsman to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s. Although India lost by 27 runs to lose the seriesRohit’s knock shifted attention back to his bat.

Karim said Rohit’s innings along with Shubman Gill’s form and leadership gave India enough positives despite the series defeat.

“India ticked a few boxes. Rohit’s century ended all the speculation surrounding him. Shubman Gill scored runs, batted with great positivity and showed impressive leadership. So I don’t see any major problems with the batting. India should now focus on identifying the right pace bowling attack if Jasprit Bumrah is *not available at Center JioMaHoststar’.

India’s bowling attack has struggled in the absence of Bumrah, who missed the series decider with an impact injury to his left knee. England amassed 387 for 3 after India’s pace attack found it difficult to keep the batting line-up in shape.

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 will be crucial to help the team identify the right bowling combinations ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

“In these conditions, our young and inexperienced bowlers have struggled a bit. Therefore, 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 it is Kuldeep Yadav or someone else, that is a different discussion. India need to plan the pitch conditions more thoroughly, according to the right dimensions and resources and the opposition, the combination,” added Karim.

After retiring from Test and T20I cricket, Rohit is now only in the ODI format.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

20 Jul 2026 16:44 IST