Fresh from his match-winning exploits at Lord’s in the ODI against England, Rohit Sharma made a stylish appearance at The Oval for the opening game of The Hundred between MI London and Sunrisers Leeds. Although India fell short in the series decider, Rohit answered his critics with a brilliant 138 off 110 deliveries.
India superstar Rohit Sharma is at the Kia Oval tonight 🤩
After a century at Lord’s over the weekend, he’s come south of the river at the ground where the Hundred comes alive!#MILondon 💙💚 pic.twitter.com/EKkta21nXh
— MI London (@MILondonCricket) July 21, 2026
Rohit spent time greeting fans and happily posed for selfies before taking his seat in the stands for the match. The former India captain was there to support MI London, the sister franchise of his IPL team, Mumbai Indians. He was also spotted engaged in a lengthy conversation with Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani.
Lord's ➡️ The Oval
The Hitman is in attendance for the season opener! 😍#TheHundred 2026 👉 MI London vs Sunrisers Leeds | LIVE NOW! pic.twitter.com/5I9xYzOxrz
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 21, 2026
Rohit Sharma Dismisses Retirement Speculation
Ahead of the Lord’s ODI, Rohit Sharma faced intense pressure amid reports claiming the BCCI was prepared to move on from him after the England tour. His form had been underwhelming, with the opener managing 241 runs in his previous eight ODIs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6, including just one half-century.
Although the BCCI reportedly made it clear that the Lord’s ODI would not be Rohit’s final appearance for India, the spotlight remained firmly on him. The veteran opener answered his critics in trademark fashion, letting his bat do the talking.
Chasing 388, Rohit shared a 147-run opening stand with Shubman Gill before smashing a 84-ball century, becoming the first Indian to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s. After the match, Rohit dismissed retirement rumours, saying his only focus is to represent India and ignore the outside noise.
“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country. That’s what I have been told to do since I made my debut. That’s what I am going to do,” Sharma stated flatly.
“Since I made my debut, the noise was there. Till the time, I am going to be there, the noise will be there. Doesn’t matter to me. What matters is what I do on the field. I want to try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is.”
“If there is no noise, there is no fun. My job is inside. Their job is outside. That’s how I look at it,” said Rohit.
Rohit is likely to return to action when India host the West Indies in a three-match ODI series, scheduled to get underway in late September.
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