The third and final One Day International (ODI) between. England and India July 19, 2026, at Lord’s, presented high drama, breathtaking strokeplay and a defining moment in Indian cricket history. Chasing a mammoth target of 388 in the series decider in London, India fell short by 27 runs as the hosts lost the three-match series 2-1. Nevertheless, despite the team’s defeat, this match will always be remembered for the brilliant innings of the experienced opener. Rohit Sharma. Amid intense speculation over his international future, the 39-year-old maestro played a brilliant inning of 138 runs off 110 balls. Adding a unique touch to his historic feat was a remarkable detail: the blade that powered his magical innings belonged to his long-time Mumbai teammate, Shardul Thakur.
Shardul Thakur reveals the bat that helped Rohit Sharma create history at Lord’s
Rohit’s sensational century at the ‘Home of Cricket’ came from a willow gifted by fellow Mumbai all-rounder Thakur. Realizing that his own bat lacked the ideal balance during the high-stakes chase, the former Indian captain turned to Thakur’s equipment in the dressing room.
Speaking about the gesture, Thakur, fondly known as ‘Lord Thakur’, expressed his happiness in assisting his senior colleague. Thakur revealed that bat maker Jatin Sarin had supplied him with high-quality SS willows, some of which Rohit had earlier asked to borrow because he liked their feel and pickup. Having grown up playing together from school cricket to Mumbai’s domestic circuit and the Mumbai Indians IPL setup, Thakur said depriving Rohit of the bat was out of the question. He felt very proud to see Rohit creating history using his willow on cricket’s grandest stage.
“I am contracted with SS Bats and Jatin Sarin (owner) has been kind enough to send me some excellent pieces of willow. Rohit once requested me to give him some bats because he liked them very much. We all love him and he has given us so many joyful moments in the game of cricket that there is no question of not giving him the bat. And today I am really happy that he scored his historic century at Lord’s cricket ground using one of my batsThakur told The Indian Express.
The century came at a turning point, silencing external noise about Rohit’s future ahead of the upcoming India series in September. Reached triple figures in just 84 balls with a delicate sweep off adil rashidRohit calmly punched non-striker Virat Kohli before gesturing warmly towards his family in the dressing room and the stands.
Also read: Top 5 Highest Team Scores in ODI Cricket by India at Lord’s Foot
Rohit becomes India’s first century-maker in ODI at Lord’s
Rohit’s innings of 138 runs achieved a historic feat, making him the first Indian batsman in history to score an ODI century at Lord’s. His innings adorned with 17 fours and 5 sixes became equal. Sir Viv Richards‘The record for the highest score by a foreign batsman at the prestigious venue in the 1979 World Cup final.
This innings also broke several historical norms:
- Oldest Indian Centurion: At the age of 39 years and 80 days, Rohit became India’s oldest ODI centurion, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.
- Foreign Domination: This marked his eighth ODI century on English soil, setting a world record for the most centuries scored by any visiting batsman in any foreign country.
Although India missed out on a series win, Rohit’s fighting effort proved that his hunger to perform on the big stage has not diminished.
Also read: Top 5 players who have scored most ODI centuries in any touring country, Rohit Sharma
