Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes Rohit Sharma has one more special innings left in him and hopes the veteran opener bows out with a memorable performance if Sunday’s third ODI against England at Lord’s turns out to be the final match of his international career.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live, Patel backed Rohit to respond to growing retirement speculation after India’s four-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Cardiff levelled the three-match series at 1-1.
Hope Rohit Sharma plays an innings people remember
With reports linking the Lord’s ODI to Rohit’s potential retirement, Patel said the India opener has built a career on bouncing back after lean patches.
“If the Lord’s ODI is indeed the last match of his career, Rohit Sharma would want to sign off with a century. He is more than capable of doing that,” Patel told JioStar.
“We’ve seen it throughout his career – after two or three low scores, he often bounces back with a match-winning knock in the very next innings.”
Patel acknowledged that Rohit struggled in Cardiff but backed the veteran to answer his critics once again.
“He didn’t look comfortable in this game. He was troubled by the uneven bounce and never found his rhythm. But this is another opportunity for him to silence his critics. It has happened many times before, and he has always responded with the bat.”
“So, if the Lord’s ODI is indeed his final match, I hope he plays an innings that people remember for a long time.”
Anil Kumble compares Joe Root to Rohit and Virat Kohli
Former India captain Anil Kumble reserved special praise for Joe Root after the England batter’s unbeaten 99 guided the hosts to victory in Cardiff.
Speaking to JioStar, Kumble described Root as England’s equivalent of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI format.
“Joe Root is to England what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are to India,” Kumble said.
“What makes Root, Kohli and Rohit so successful is that their run-scoring looks effortless. They don’t premeditate. They react to the ball. They play low-risk, high-reward cricket rather than high-risk, high-reward cricket.”
Kumble added that Root’s measured approach stood in contrast to England’s more aggressive batters and ultimately proved decisive during the chase.
Kumble raises concerns over India’s middle-overs bowling
While praising India’s new-ball bowlers, Kumble felt the visitors lacked a genuine wicket-taking option during the middle overs.
“It was a really good effort from the Indian team. They put 233 runs on the board, which is never easy to defend in a 50-over game,” he said.
“The real issue for India was the fifth bowler. India lacked an attacking option through the middle overs.”
Kumble suggested Kuldeep Yadav’s continued absence from the playing XI could become a concern.
“That is where Kuldeep Yadav would have been useful, especially in ODI cricket. But if he continues to be left out, it is a worrying sign for India.”
Kuldeep Yadav backed for Lord’s decider
Looking ahead to the series decider, Patel expects India to retain faith in their bowling attack but believes Kuldeep deserves a recall if the team management is willing to alter the balance.
“The third ODI is the series decider and will also test the team’s balance,” Patel said.
“The five bowlers who played in the second ODI performed well, and the Indian team management would be reluctant to make changes to the bowling attack.”
He added that Kuldeep and KL Rahul’s fitness remain the two biggest selection questions before the Lord’s clash.
“If you ask me, I would like to see Kuldeep Yadav play. It is an important match, and he is a genuine wicket-taking bowler in ODIs who deserves an opportunity.”