As discussions about Rohit Sharma’s future in one-day internationals (ODIs) heat up, former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel feels the seasoned opener has one last great performance left in him. With rumors swirling that the match against England at Lord’s could be Rohit’s final game for India, Patel is confident the 39-year-old can silence his critics.
Rohit has faced scrutiny due to a tough series, scoring just 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs. His recent form has raised concerns, as he has only tallied 241 runs in his last eight games. This has led to speculation about India’s future planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup without him.
Despite these challenges, Patel argues that Rohit’s talent should not be overshadowed. “If the match at Lord’s is indeed his last, Rohit will want to go out with a century. He’s done it many times before, bouncing back with impressive performances after a couple of low scores,” said Patel.
### ROHIT’S FUTURE IN FOCUS
Patel noted that Rohit’s skill can shine through during critical moments in a match. With over 11,000 runs and 33 centuries, including three double hundreds, he remains one of the top ODI batters in history. “Rohit may not always score consistently, but when he does, it’s often a notable innings that leads his team to victory,” Patel added.
Rohit’s performance in the second ODI at Cardiff further fueled debates around him. He struggled with the uneven bounce and never found his groove, but Patel believes that the veteran has frequently proven critics wrong and can do so again. “He didn’t seem at ease in that game. However, he has shown time and again that he can come back strong,” he explained.
If the match at Lord’s is truly Rohit’s last appearance, Patel hopes it ends on a high note. “I hope he leaves a lasting impression that fans will remember,” he said.
Meanwhile, India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, downplayed worries about Rohit’s performance, saying the captain isn’t feeling pressured and that the challenging conditions affected his scoring.
With the series tied at 1-1 after India’s four-wicket win in Cardiff, all eyes will be on Rohit when the team faces England in the decisive match at Lord’s.
