IND vs ENG, 3rd ODI: Former India captain Rohit Sharma brushed aside criticism over his recent form after scoring a magnificent century against England in the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday (July 19). Although Rohit’s superb knock of 138 off 110 balls was not enough to prevent India from slipping to a series-deciding defeat, the veteran opener made it clear that outside opinions have never influenced his mindset. Speaking to bcci.tv after the match, Rohit said he focuses solely on performing for the team, insisting that dealing with criticism is simply part of a professional cricketer’s life.
The century marked Rohit’s 34th ODI hundred and his maiden international century at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He arrived at the match under pressure after managing only 241 runs in his previous eight international innings, leading to widespread debate over his form and future. However, the Indian skipper responded in trademark fashion with an aggressive yet composed innings, reaffirming his class despite England clinching the ODI series 2-1.
He was the most-talked about cricketer before the Lord’s ODI and he still remains the most-talked about after his scintillating hundred 🙌
🎥 Hear from the man himself as he soaked everything in to produce a masterclass 🫡 – By @RajalArora #TeamIndia | @ImRo45…
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2026
What Did Rohit Sharma Say About The Criticism?
Reflecting on the scrutiny surrounding his performances, Rohit said criticism has never distracted him from his responsibilities on the field. He explained that his job is to prepare, perform and help India win matches, while people outside the dressing room are free to express their opinions.
“Look my job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent the team. That’s what I’ve been told to do since I made my debut so that’s what I’m going to do. The noise, since I made my debut, was there. And till the time I’m going to stay here, it’s always going to be there. So it doesn’t really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field. Try and contribute to the success of the team,” Rohit said while speaking to bcci.tv.
“That’s all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there’s no noise, there’s no fun. My job is inside, their job is outside. That’s how I look at it.”
Rohit’s Lord’s Century Silences Doubters
The Lord’s innings was one of Rohit’s finest overseas ODI knocks. Mixing elegant strokeplay with calculated aggression, he dominated England’s bowling attack and reached three figures for the first time at the Home of Cricket. It was also his 34th ODI century, further strengthening his place among the format’s greatest opening batters.
Despite Rohit’s heroics, India were unable to defend their total as England completed the chase to seal both the match and the three-match ODI series 2-1. Nevertheless, the century served as a timely reminder of Rohit’s ability to deliver on the biggest stages after facing weeks of criticism.
What’s Next For Rohit Sharma And India?
While the series defeat was disappointing for India, Rohit’s return to form provides a significant boost ahead of the team’s upcoming international assignments. The experienced opener will now aim to build on his Lord’s century and carry that momentum into future ODI competitions, while India will look to address the shortcomings that cost them the series against England.
