NEW DELHI: There was a lot of speculation ahead of the third ODI against England at Lord’s that Rohit Sharma he might play his final one-day international for India. The veteran opener answered those rumors in his own style, smashing a superb 138 off 110 balls. His innings included 17 fours and five sixes as he almost guided India to a record chase.England had posted a massive 387/3, and despite Rohit’s brilliant effort, India fell to 27 runs in the series finale. Speaking to BCCI.tv after the match, Rohit said that he paid no attention to outside noise and remained focused only on helping the team.“Look, my job is with the bat. Come and play. Represent my country, represent the team. That’s what I’ve been told to do since I made my debut. So that’s what I’m going to do,” said Rohit.“The noise… Since I made my debut, I was here and until the moment I stay here, I will always be here. So it doesn’t really matter much. What matters is what I do on the field. I try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is now,” said the former captain of India.“And let the noise be there. You know there is no noise. There is no pleasure. My work is inside, his work is outside, so that’s how I saw it,” added Rohit.
Retirement rumors ahead of Lord’s ODIs
Speculation was rife on social media ahead of the Lord’s match that it could be Rohit’s final ODI in Indian colours.Instead, the 38-year-old reminded everyone of his class with one of his finest ODI knocks, keeping India in the chase till the end of the leg.Earlier, the Times of India had reported that Rohit’s place in India’s ODI XI was no longer guaranteed, with the selectors planning to pick players based on form and fitness as they begin preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027. The report added that the door remains open for Rohit to continue, provided he continues to perform consistently.Rohit is currently just 12 matches away from becoming only the eighth player in ODI history to make 300 appearances. He played 288 ODIs and scored 11895 runs at an average of 48.95, including 38 centuries and 62 fifties.