ENG vs IND 2026 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma’s maiden hundred at Lord’s against England came off Shardul Thakur’s bat. The right-handed batter used Mumbai’s all-rounder’s willow in the series decider, but his effort went in vain as England secured a 27-run win to claim the series 2-1. The 39-year-old struck his 34th ODI ton, amassing 138 runs off 110 balls in the third game, with his future in international cricket still uncertain.

“I am signed with SS bats and Jatin Sareen (owner) has been very kind to send me some excellent pieces 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,” Thakur told The Indian Express.

Rohit and Shardul studied at the same school, with the latter being his junior.

Rohit’s hundred came at a time when there were reports of him announcing his retirement from international cricket after being told by the selectors that he didn’t feature in their plans going forward. However, the BCCI was quick to dismiss the claims, saying he is still part of the squad and that there is no way the Lord’s ODI will be his last. Speculation began after the Indian Express published a report on Rohit’s last game for the national team.

Rohit was all over the news after former players and fans reacted to the rumors, but after the Indian Cricket Board secretary’s statement, the rumors were laid to rest. India’s next ODI assignment is against the West Indies at home, and the suspense around Rohit’s future will continue till he takes the field.

Chasing 388 runs to clinch the series, India were restricted to 360 for 7 in 50 overs. Overall, he hit 17 boundaries and 5 sixes.