Rohit Sharma blasts 138 with friend’s bat, revives ODI hopes

**Rohit Sharma** ignited the Lord's ODI with a 138‑run knock on a bat handed to him by childhood friend Shardul Thakur, a performance that may have saved his one‑day career.

What happened?

In the series‑deciding match at Lord's, Rohit opened and struck 138 runs off 110 balls. The innings featured a powerful slog sweep off Adil Rashid and a flurry of boundaries that pushed India to a competitive total of 388. Despite his effort, India fell short 2‑1 in the series.

How did a gifted bat influence the innings?

Shardul Thakur, Rohit’s Mumbai teammate since school days, revealed he had sent a few SS‑brand willow bats to his friend after Rohit expressed interest. Thakur said, “Rohit once asked for a couple of bats; denying him was out of the question.” The bat Rohit used at Lord's was one of those gifts, and he credited the familiar feel for his confidence.

Why does this matter for Rohit Sharma’s ODI future?

Rohit had faced criticism after two low‑scoring games that suggested his form was fading. The 138‑run knock demonstrated that he can still dominate on the world stage, especially when chasing a daunting target. While a single century does not guarantee selection, it forces selectors to reconsider any plans to drop him.

What’s next for Rohit Sharma?

The series loss leaves India looking ahead to upcoming ODIs against the West Indies. Rohit’s performance will be a key talking point as the board finalises the squad. If he maintains this level, the veteran opener could cement his spot for the next World Cup cycle.

Who else was involved?

The innings also saw a brief, understated celebration with Virat Kohli, who offered a quick hug before Rohit raised his bat toward the dressing room. Shardul Thakur, who now plays for India’s pace attack, remains a close confidant, underscoring the personal bonds that often shape on‑field success.