Former India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel said he hopes opener Rohit Sharma scores a century if the upcoming match at Lord's is his last.
The comments come as speculation grows regarding Sharma's future in One Day Internationals. A defining performance at one of cricket's most historic venues would serve as a definitive capstone to the career of one of India's most prolific batters.
India is scheduled to play the third ODI [1] of its tour of England on Sunday, July 18, 2026 [2], at Lord's Cricket Ground in London [3]. Patel said he wants Sharma to produce a high-scoring innings that would leave a lasting impression on the sport.
"If Lord's is Rohit's last, I hope he plays a knock to remember," Patel said.
Patel said that Sharma has a documented history of recovering his form after difficult stretches. He said that the batter is capable of silencing critics by producing a significant score when the pressure is highest.
"He has repeatedly shown during his career that he responds strongly after a lean run," Patel said.
The former Mumbai Indians teammate said that a hundred would be the ideal way for the opener to exit the format. Patel said that Sharma will want to sign off with a century if the match at Lord's is indeed his final ODI appearance.
The match on July 18 [2] represents a critical moment in the series and a potential turning point for Sharma's international standing. Patel's support highlights the expectation that elite players often find their best form during their final appearances to secure a legacy of excellence.
“If Lord's is Rohit's last, I hope he plays a knock to remember.”
This support from a former teammate underscores the immense pressure and high expectations placed on veteran players in the twilight of their careers. By focusing on Sharma's ability to bounce back from lean periods, Patel is framing the Lord's match not just as a game, but as a potential legacy-defining event that could silence critics and provide a poetic conclusion to his ODI tenure.
