Rohit Sharma at Lord's: Morkel backs veteran to fire in series decider
Synopsis
With the India-England ODI series locked at 1-1 and retirement talk swirling, bowling coach Morne Morkel has publicly backed Rohit Sharma to come good at Lord's — pointing to seaming conditions, not form, as the culprit. The BCCI has also shut down exit rumours. Sunday's decider at the 'Home of Cricket' could define the next chapter of Rohit's ODI career.
Key Takeaways
India bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed full confidence in Rohit Sharma ahead of the third and final ODI at Lord's .
Morkel cited challenging English conditions — not form — as the reason for Rohit's modest scores in the series.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed reports that Sunday's match could be Rohit's last ODI, confirming no retirement discussion has taken place.
Rohit has scored more than 11,700 ODI runs and led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title .
The three-match ODI series is level at 1-1 , with the decider to be played at Lord's .
India bowling coach Morne Morkel has thrown his full support behind veteran opener Rohit Sharma ahead of the series-deciding third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday, insisting there are 'no worries or concerns' over the batter's lean run in the ongoing series.
Morkel's Vote of Confidence
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the Lord's decider, Morkel attributed Rohit's modest returns in the first two matches to the demanding English conditions rather than any technical deficiency. 'As I said earlier, it is hard work with a new ball up front. We've seen throughout the series that the ball is moving around. So batting up front is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out,' the former South Africa fast bowler said.
Morkel further underlined the value Rohit brings beyond run-scoring. 'He's done it in the past. His experience... and he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he's going about things,' he added.
BCCI Dismisses Retirement Talk
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday moved to quash reports suggesting that Sunday's match could mark Rohit's final ODI appearance. Saikia reiterated that the veteran opener remains a key part of India's plans and that no discussion over his retirement from the format has taken place. The clarification came as speculation over Rohit's ODI future gained traction following his subdued scores in the series.
Rohit's Standing in Indian Cricket
Rohit has accumulated more than 11,700 ODI runs, making him one of India's most decorated batters in the format. He played a pivotal role in India's run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and subsequently led the side to the 2025 Champions Trophy title. Although Shubman Gill assumed the ODI captaincy following that triumph, Rohit continues to occupy a senior position in the batting order and remains central to India's planning.
Notably, English conditions — with their overcast skies and seaming pitches — have historically tested top-order batters from the subcontinent, and Rohit's struggles in this series are not without precedent even for elite players.
What's at Stake at Lord's
With the three-match series locked at 1-1, the Lord's fixture carries full series weight. India will be hoping their most experienced opener rediscovers his fluency at the 'Home of Cricket', a venue where momentum shifts can be decisive. A series win in England would represent a significant statement for a side transitioning under new ODI leadership.
All eyes will be on Rohit's opening exchanges with the new ball when the two sides meet on Sunday.
Point of View
Not class — which is the honest read. The harder question is what a second low score at Lord's does to the conversation that the BCCI is currently trying to suppress. Transitions in Indian batting have historically been messy, and managing a legend's exit — if and when it comes — requires more than press-conference reassurances.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Morne Morkel say about Rohit Sharma's form ahead of the Lord's ODI?
Morkel said there are 'no worries or concerns' about Rohit's form, attributing his lean patch to the challenging English conditions rather than any technical issue. He expressed full confidence that Rohit would 'work it out' at Lord's.
Is the Lord's ODI Rohit Sharma's last match in the format?
No, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who on Friday dismissed reports suggesting Sunday's match could be Rohit's final ODI. Saikia confirmed there has been no discussion over Rohit's retirement from the format.
What is the current series score between India and England?
The three-match ODI series is level at 1-1, with the deciding third match to be played at Lord's in London.
What has Rohit Sharma achieved in ODI cricket?
Rohit has scored more than 11,700 ODI runs and is one of India's greatest batters in the format. He led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title and played a key role in their run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Who is the current India ODI captain?
Shubman Gill took over as India's ODI captain following their 2025 Champions Trophy triumph under Rohit Sharma. Rohit continues to serve as a senior batter in the ODI set-up.
