Rohit Sharma answers nature's call in style, Virat Kohli shines too in India's loss

Lord's: Under pressure and faced with speculations of retirement from ODIs, Rohit Sharma produced an innings of 138 runs off 110 runs that rewound time and showcased the class the right-handed opener is known for.

Although India lost the third and final ODI by 27 runs, finishing with 360/7 in 50 overs in response to England's 387/3 in 50 overs, and lost the ODI series 2-1, Rohit salvaged pride and almost stamped his name for India's future ODI squads ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rohit's knock, his first century at Lord's in any format, included 17 fours and five sixes. Unfazed, he played his natural game that included exquisite strokes as well as slogs over the deep midwicket region. He kept India in the chase. Virat Kohli, the other senior batsman in the Indian team, almost chalked up his highest score at Lord's, scoring 74 off 60 balls (4x4s, 3x6s). Skipper Shubman Gill made 77 off 84 balls (10x4s, 1x6).

Earlier, England had hammered 387/3 thanks to century from Ben Duckett (141 off 135 balls, 18x4s, 1x6), Jacob Bethell (91 off 93 balls, 11x4s, 2x6s), Joe Root (74 not out off 48 balls, 9x4s) and Jos Buttler (41 not out off 13, 4x4s, 3x6s).

Indian bowlers were found wanting in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah who was out injured. They could pick only three wickets.

Only Axar Patel (1/61 in 10 overs) bowled with some miserliness on a pitch that supported spinners. Once again, the team management's decision to keep Kuldeep Yadav out came under scanner as it were the English spinners who did really well.

Rohit's previous best at Lord's was 83 in 2021. He has played six matches and seven innings at the historic venue (one Test with two innings, three ODIs and two T20Is).

Virat's previous best at Lord's was 45 in 2018. He has played seven matches and 10 innings at the historic venue (three Tests and four ODIs).

Tags : Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cricket, Lord's, Indian cricket team