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Rohit Sharma silenced the retirement chatter with a historic century in the third ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday. The India opener smashed a magnificent 138 off 110 balls, but there was one lesser-known detail behind the innings: Rohit Sharma achieved the milestone using a bat borrowed from Mumbai teammate Shardul Thakur.
All-rounder Shardul explained how Rohit Sharma had asked for a couple of his SS bats after liking the willow. One of those bats ended up producing one of the most memorable ODI hundreds of the batter's career.
Rohit Sharma smashes sensational century at Lord's
The Lord's ODI carried extra significance for Rohit. Reports in the days leading up to the match had suggested he was not part of India's long-term ODI plans, although the BCCI later clarified there had been no official decision declaring it his farewell appearance.
Faced with a daunting target of 388, Rohit Sharma answered with the bat. The 39-year-old struck 138 off 110 balls, hitting 17 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 125.45. Alongside Shubman Gill (77), he added 147 runs for the opening wicket to give India an excellent platform after England had piled up 387/3.
Rohit Sharma reached his century in 84 balls by sweeping Adil Rashid to the boundary. There were no extravagant celebrations. He simply pumped his fists, hugged Virat Kohli, smiled after a brief exchange with his long-time batting partner, and raised his bat towards the dressing room and his family in the stands before getting back to the chase.
His innings eventually ended in the 39th over when Jacob Bethell bowled him for 138 with India on 260. Although Virat Kohli added 74, India finished on 360/7, losing by 27 runs as England clinched the series 2-1.
Rohit's innings was not just match-defining but also record-breaking. He became the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord's and the oldest Indian to register an ODI hundred. The century was his 46th international ton as an opener, the most by any Indian opener, while it also took him level with the record for the most ODI centuries by an Indian against England (nine).
During the knock, Rohit also went past the milestone for the most international sixes by an Indian against SENA nations (346) and the most sixes by an Indian against England (61). His 138 is now the highest ODI score by an Indian against England in England, and he also became the first player to score 15 ODI centuries in SENA countries. Adding another unique feat to his remarkable career, Rohit became the first visiting batter to score an ODI century at eight different venues in England.
Here is what Shubman Gill said about Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement.
Rohit Sharma used Shardul Thakur's bat during his Lord's ODI century: Here's the story
While Rohit Sharma's innings dominated headlines, the bat he used had an interesting backstory.
The former India skipper played the entire innings with a bat given to him by Shardul Thakur. The Mumbai all-rounder, who is signed with SS, said Rohit had earlier asked him for a couple of bats after being impressed by their quality. Speaking to The Indian Express, Thakur said:
"I am signed with SS bats and Jatin Sareen (owner) has been very kind to send me some excellent piece of willows. Rohit once requested me to give him a couple of bats since he loved them. We all love him and he's given us so many joyful moments in the game of cricket that denying him the bats was out of question. And today I am really happy that he scored his historic hundred at Lord's cricket ground using one of my bats."
Shardul also had an instant reaction when Rohit reached three figures. He said, "Ye banega kal ka headline."
Shardul Thakur's commentry on seeing his name on Rohit Sharma's bat 😭 pic.twitter.com/mXhJPiof2H
— . (@Rohiiittt45) July 19, 2026
"𝒀𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒈𝒂 𝒌𝒂𝒍 𝒌𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆" 😌
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 19, 2026
Truer words have not been spoken, Shardul 🤌
Watch #ENGvIND 3rd ODI LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels. #SonySportsNetwork #MamlaPersonalHai #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/jigSCRiR9U
Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur's friendship
The story behind the bat reflects a friendship that goes back much further than their India careers. Both Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur come from Mumbai's cricket circuit and have known each other since their younger days. They have represented Mumbai in domestic cricket for years and have also shared the dressing room at the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Inside the Indian team, Shardul Thakur earned the nickname "Lord Thakur", a tag that Rohit has often embraced with his trademark humour. The pair are known for constantly teasing each other during training sessions and on tours, but the banter has always been backed by genuine mutual respect.
Shardul Thakur has previously spoken about Rohit's role in his career, saying the former India captain made him feel comfortable from the beginning and encouraged him to express himself freely. Rohit, meanwhile, has often acknowledged Shardul's contributions with both bat and ball.
