Rohit Sharma answered his critics and all the calls to drop him from India’s ODI squad in a resounding manner as he smashed 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI against England at Lord’s.Rohit smashed as many as 17 fours and five sixes during his phenomenal knock. It came at a strike rate of 125.45 and kept India in the hunt, chasing a daunting total of 388.
71.01% of Rohit’s tally of runs came via boundaries, a stat which underlines how dominant he was throughout the course of the innings. Unfortunately for Rohit and for Team India, his century wasn’t enough to win the series as England had the last laugh in the end and won by a 2-1 score line.
Also read: All eyes on Rohit Sharma as India meet England in series decider at Lord’s
Rohit’s hundred may not have guided India over the line, it has certainly come across as a befitting reply to all those who were questioning his place in the ODI team. A report from The Indian Express sent shockwaves through the cricketing world on July 16 when Team India were playing their second ODI against England at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Rohit solidifies place in Team India’s squad
The report suggested that the Lord’s ODI was likely to be the last of Rohit’s international career, as the selectors had told him that they were not going to pick him afterwards. It led to a huge controversy and forced the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to come out and address the press, clarifying that no such discussion had occurred between Rohit and the selection committee, and refuting the claims that Lord’s was going to be his last appearance for India.Rohit’s hundred has allayed those fears to a greater extent.
Even if the selection committee was entertaining any such thoughts, it seems highly unlikely for it to execute them.India need the experience of Rohit, and he has showcased and continues to prove he still has it in him to perform in the international arena.
