Locked in, but enjoying the moment 💙#RohitSharma and #GautamGambhir share a laugh on the Lord's balcony before India take the field for the series-deciding ODI. 👏#ENGvIND 3rd ODI 👉 SUN, 19th JULY, 2:30 PM on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/FUCQX0HxTa

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 18, 2026

Rohit Puts In Long Nets Ahead Of Series Decider

After the interaction, Rohit spent considerable time batting in the nets as India prepared for the series decider.

The India captain is looking to bounce back after scores of 11 in the first ODI and 26 off 47 balls in the second. He has also crossed 50 only once in his last eight ODI innings, making Sunday's match an important opportunity to return to form.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was seen working closely with Rohit during the session.

BCCI Has Denied Retirement Reports

The viral video comes shortly after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed reports claiming Rohit was nearing the end of his ODI career.

Saikia said there had been no discussion about Rohit retiring after the England series and maintained that the India captain remains part of the team's plans.

Despite the board's statement, speculation over Rohit's future has continued in the lead-up to the Lord's ODI.

Focus Shifts Back To Cricket

India and England head into the third ODI with the series level at 1-1.

While off-field reports have dominated the headlines, the images from Lord's suggested there was little sign of tension between Rohit and Gambhir during India's preparations. Attention will now turn to whether the India captain can answer the questions surrounding his form with a match-winning performance in the series decider.