Gill rules out Rohit retirement talk after Lord's ODI
Synopsis
Rohit Sharma's 138 off 110 balls at Lord's silenced retirement talk louder than any press conference could. India captain Shubman Gill confirmed there has been zero dressing-room conversation about the veteran opener stepping away — and with the ICC World Cup on the horizon, Rohit's bat may well have extended his own contract.
Key Takeaways
India captain Shubman Gill denied any retirement discussions involving Rohit Sharma within the team after the Lord's ODI on 20 July .
Rohit Sharma scored 138 off 110 balls , hitting 17 fours and 5 sixes , in a losing cause as India fell 27 runs short of England's 387/3 .
Rohit and Gill put on a 147-run opening stand before Rohit was dismissed in the 39th over with the score at 260 .
Gill said: 'He's not told us anything... there's not been any discussion like that in the team.' The 39-year-old Rohit is expected to feature in India's heavy ODI schedule ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 .
India captain Shubman Gill has firmly dismissed reports that veteran opener Rohit Sharma is set to retire from international cricket, saying there has been no such conversation within the Indian dressing room following the third ODI against England at Lord's on 20 July.
What Gill Said
Speaking to reporters after India's 27-run defeat in the series finale, Gill was direct when asked about Rohit's future. '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,' the skipper said.
The denial came after speculation spread on social media on Thursday night that the Lord's match could mark the end of Rohit's 19-year ODI career. The 39-year-old right-hander, however, answered his critics emphatically on the pitch.
Rohit's Stunning 138 at Lord's
Rohit Sharma stroked a magnificent 138 off 110 deliveries, laced with 17 fours and 5 sixes, in what was arguably one of the finest ODI innings of his storied career. He and Gill forged a 147-run opening partnership that gave India a genuine shot at overhauling England's imposing total of 387/3.
Rohit was eventually dismissed in the 39th over with the score at 260 and the required rate still within reach, leaving the lower order to bridge a gap that ultimately proved too wide. India finished 27 runs short.
Gill's Praise for Rohit's Innings
Gill was effusive in his admiration for his opening partner's knock. 'I think the way Rohit bhai paced his innings was outstanding,' Gill noted. 'Most of the time, I was at the non-striker's end just watching him bat. Our discussions were mainly about keeping wickets in hand because that was the only way we could chase such a big total.'
Gill added that the duo had deliberated during the Powerplay over whether to attack the new ball. 'We know it's not easy to attack against the new ball. The way he paced his innings and then accelerated was exceptional. Once he got into the 60s and 70s, it was truly a treat to watch,' he said.
What Lies Ahead for Rohit
Should Rohit Sharma continue in ODI cricket, he will have no shortage of opportunities to cement his place ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2026. India are scheduled to play a substantial volume of 50-over cricket over the next six months, giving the veteran ample runway to make his case. Notably, this is the third consecutive ODI series in which Rohit's future has been the subject of public speculation — yet each time, his bat has done the loudest talking.
Point of View
The team management's hand may matter more than Rohit's bat average.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Rohit Sharma announce his retirement after the Lord's ODI?
No. India captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Rohit Sharma has not spoken to the team about retirement, calling the speculation entirely media-driven. Rohit himself made no public announcement after the match.
How did Rohit Sharma perform in the Lord's ODI against England?
Rohit Sharma scored a brilliant 138 off 110 deliveries, striking 17 fours and 5 sixes. He shared a 147-run opening stand with Gill before being dismissed in the 39th over with India at 260, chasing England's total of 387/3.
What did Shubman Gill say about Rohit Sharma's retirement?
Gill said, '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.' He also praised Rohit's innings as 'outstanding' and 'a treat to watch.'
What was the result of the 3rd ODI between India and England at Lord's?
England won the match by 27 runs after posting 387/3. India's chase was anchored by Rohit Sharma's 138, but the team could not sustain the momentum after his dismissal in the 39th over.
Will Rohit Sharma play in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2026?
No decision has been announced. If Rohit continues in ODI cricket, he will have several opportunities over the next six months — during India's scheduled 50-over fixtures — to press his case for a World Cup berth.
