Rohit Sharma Scores Historic Century at Lord’s as BCCI Dismisses Retirement Rumors
Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma delivered a landmark performance at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday, July 19, 2026, becoming the first Indian player to score an ODI century at the historic venue. Despite his commanding 138-run innings, India fell to a 27-run defeat against England, who secured the three-match ODI series 2-1.
The match, which served as the series decider, had been preceded by intense media speculation regarding Sharma’s future in international cricket. Reports had suggested that the Lord’s fixture could be the final ODI appearance for the 39-year-old veteran.
BCCI and Team Officials Quell Retirement Speculation
Prior to the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moved to address the rumors. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explicitly stated that no discussions had taken place regarding the match being Sharma’s swan song.
There are lot of speculations going on in media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday,
Saikia said, noting that Sharma remains a regular member of the Indian ODI team.
Following the game, teammate Shubman Gill reinforced this position during a post-match press conference. He’s not told us anything. I think it’s all out in the media, but there’s not been any discussion like that in the team,
Gill confirmed, adding that Sharma had communicated no retirement plans to the squad.
A Record-Breaking Innings at Lord’s
Sharma’s performance in the decider was marked by high-scoring efficiency. He amassed 138 runs off 110 balls, featuring 17 fours and five sixes. This knock surpassed his own previous record of 137 not out at Trent Bridge in 2018, establishing a new record for the highest individual ODI score by an Indian against England in England.
For more on this story, see Rohit Sharma and BCCI Deny Rumors of International Retirement at Lord’s.
The innings included a 147-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, who contributed 77, and a significant 113-run stand with Virat Kohli, who scored 74. Despite these efforts, India’s chase of England’s imposing 387-3 faltered in the final stages. England’s total—the highest ODI score ever recorded at Lord’s—was driven by Ben Duckett’s 141, along with contributions from Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler. India eventually finished at 360-7, with Sam Curran claiming four wickets for the hosts.
Sharma Addresses Critics and Future Outlook
As India begins its transition phase ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, selectors are expected to review the squad’s composition based on current form and fitness. Sharma, who retired from T20Is following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, remains 13 appearances away from reaching the 300-match milestone in ODIs.
Key Match Statistics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma Score | 138 runs (110 balls) |
| India Result | Lost by 27 runs |
| Series Outcome | England won 2-1 |
| Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground |
For further information, see reports from zeenews.india.com, financialexpress.com, and Moneycontrol.
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