As India and England prepare to clash at Lord’s in the third and decisive One Day International (ODI) on Sunday, the prestigious venue has the added intrigue of potentially hosting a dramatic send-off for one of the game’s greats. With a 1-1 draw in the series after England’s stunning four-wicket win in Cardiff, all eyes are on Indian captain Rohit Sharma, whose future in the sport has been widely speculated to be in the balance should he retire from the game at the Home of Cricket.

While the veteran opener has been one of the most consistent performers in limited-overs cricket, he retains one final trick up his sleeve that has many believing that he could still turn the tide in the next ODI encounter at Lord’s.

One Last Special Innings of Rohit Sharma?

Speaking on JioStar’s Match Center Live, former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel dismissed concerns about Rohit Sharma’s recent form. If Sunday’s match does indeed turn out to be his final international appearance, Patel feels that Sharma can still make his farewell tour a happy one.

“If the Lord’s ODI is indeed the last match of his career, Rohit Sharma would like to say goodbye with a century. He is more than capable of doing that. He has had such innings where he did not look good in two or three matches but then scored a century in the next one,” said Patel.

While Sharma’s recent performances in the series have been well below his usual standards, he looked particularly frustrated and uncomfortable in his innings in Cardiff. With the bounce in the ground conspiring against him, Sharma failed to make a fluent innings. However, the ex-India keeper feels that Sharma’s best is yet to come when the odds are stacked against him.

“He did not look good in this game. He did not get going. However, this is another chance for him to silence his critics. He has faced similar situations before and always responded with bat in hand. If this is the last ODI of his career, I want him to play the innings of his life,” he added.

While India was left wondering what to do with their veteran, the hosts were busy basking in the glory of their own hero. Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 in the thrilling encounter brought the series back into balance. Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble even compared the Protege of Virat Kohli to the Indian batting greats.

“In my opinion, Joe Root is as good as the Indian batting line-up,” said Kumble while analyzing the second ODI. “He plays beautifully. I think he will be a truly great player for a long time to come.”

“Joe Root is to England what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are to India,” said Kumble on JioStar. “The difference between Root, Kohli, and Sharma is that when they score runs, it looks easy for them. They don’t think about it. They don’t plan. They just play low-risk, high-reward cricket.”
While Joe Root was busy laying out the ideal ODI innings script in Cardiff, England, Virat Kohli and Co. were forced to battle the frustration of chasing down a 233-run target.

While the entire world was busy discussing the top-order fireworks, a different kind of intrigue was brewing around the Indian team’s selection strategy. Kumble sounded concerned over India’s inability to break partnerships when the new ball loses its shine in the middle overs and questioned the team’s approach to tackle the situation.

“It was a fantastic effort by the Indian team. 233 for a 50-over innings is a brilliant total to chase, and they did a tremendous job,” said Kumble. “But I thought that the Indian team has a problem breaking partnerships when the new ball loses its shine. I don’t think that they have an attacking option at No. 5, and they paid a price for it. That is where Kuldeep would have come into the equation, particularly in limited-over competitions.”

“If he is not selected, it is a concern for the Indian team in the future.” -Anil Kumble

The Selection Dilemma, Lord’s Test

The Indian team management is in a fix to retain the core attacking line-up that has done a magnificent job in Cardiff or go with the aggressive change to tackle the disciplined bowling attack of England. Patel expected the Indian management to retain the same combination that has batted valiantly in Cardiff.

“The third ODI is crucial for us to seal the series, as well as to see if we can maintain the balance in the line-up. The five bowlers who played in the second ODI were in tremendous form, and the Indian team management would be hesitant to make any changes. However, if I were in charge, I would have included Kuldeep Yadav. It is a crucial match for us, and we need all the help we can get, and Kuldeep is a fantastic wicket-taker in limited-over cricket.” -Patel

Whether Sunday’s match sees a tactical change by India, a series-winning performance, or a dramatic farewell adieu from one of India’s most enduring openers, Lord’s is all set to deliver.