Rohit Sharma has given the perfect answer to all the retirement rumours with his record-breaking century in the third and final ODI between India and England at Lord's. Even though India lost the ODI series 2-1 to England, Rohit Sharma’s knock has once again proved that he is still one of the team's most significant players.

Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes Rohit's century has completely ended the discussion about his ODI future. He feels India should now stop talking about Rohit's retirement and urged the think tank to focus on fixing the bowling problems before the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Amid this, Kris Srikkanth delivers honest verdict on Gautam Gambhir after England series loss.

Record-breaking knock proves Rohit Sharma is still India's biggest match-winner

Rohit Sharma was under huge pressure before the third ODI at Lord’s. He had scored only 11 and 26 in the first two matches, and reports claimed that the selectors were already planning for the future without him and ready to prepare younger players for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

But the former Indian captain came out and played one of the finest innings of his ODI career. Chasing a huge target of 388, he smashed 138 runs from just 110 balls. Amid this, Kamran Akmal praises Rohit Sharma's statement hundred amid retirement buzz.

During the innings, he became the first Indian batter and also the oldest player to score an ODI century at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. However, the Men in Blue fell 27 runs short of the target against England.

Rohit Sharma's Lord's century silences all retirement rumours: Saba Karim on Rohit Sharma's performance

Saba Karim said Rohit's century was one of the biggest positives from the England tour. He also praised captain Shubman Gill for leading the team from the front. The former Indian selector admitted that India's batting looks strong for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

Karim said on JioHotstar's Match Centre Live, “India have ticked several boxes. Rohit's century put an end to all the speculation surrounding him. Shubman Gill scored runs, batted with great positivity, and showed impressive leadership. So, I don't see any major issues with the batting. India's focus now should be on identifying the right pace bowling attack if Jasprit Bumrah isn't available.”

Saba Karim identifies India's biggest problem

However, the former BCCI official believes that India's biggest problem is the pace bowling attack, especially when Jasprit Bumrah is not available. Bumrah missed the final ODI because of an impact injury to his left knee, and England's batters made full use of his absence.

Karim feels India's upcoming five-match ODI series in New Zealand will be very important, saying the tour will help the team find the right combination before the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

The former Indian selector further explained, “In these conditions, our young and inexperienced pace bowlers struggled a bit. That's why the upcoming five-match ODI tour of New Zealand will be a real test to evaluate these combinations.”

He signed off by saying, “You need a wrist spinner who can provide wickets in the middle overs. Whether that's Kuldeep Yadav or someone else is a different discussion. India needs to plan more thoroughly according to the opposition, the conditions, and the ground dimensions and then take the field with the right resources and the right combination.”