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 last one-day international for India. The veteran opener responded to the rumors in his own way, smashing 138 off 110 balls. His innings included 17 fours and five sixes as he came close to guiding India to a record run.England posted a massive 387/3, and despite Rohit’s best efforts, India fell short of 27 runs in the final over. Speaking to BCCI.tv after the match, Rohit said that he didn’t mind the outside noise and just focused on helping the team.“Look, my job is to bat, come and play, represent my country, represent the team. This is what I have been told to do since I started. So I will,” said Rohit.“Noise… From the moment I made my debut, I was there and until the time I will be here, it will always be there. So it doesn’t really matter. The most important thing is what I do on the field. Try and help the team go well. That’s all I’m looking for right now,” said the former Indian captain.“And let the noise be there. You know there’s no noise. There’s no fun. My work is in, their work is out, so that’s how I see it,” Rohit added.
Rumors of retirement ahead of Lord’s ODI
Speculations were rife on social media before the Lord’s match that it could be Rohit’s last ODI in Indian colours.Instead, the 38-year-old reminded everyone of his class with his best ODI knock, leading India’s chase to the final.Earlier, The Times of India had reported that Rohit’s place in India’s ODI XI is yet to be confirmed, with the selectors planning to select players based on form and fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The report added that the door is still open for Rohit to continue, as long as he performs consistently.Rohit is currently 12 matches away from becoming the eighth player in ODI history to make 300 appearances. He has played 288 ODIs and scored 11895 runs at an average of 48.95, including 38 centuries and seven centuries.