FOLLOW LIVE | INDIA VS ENGLAND LIVE UPDATES 3RD ODI

The two pillars of Indian cricket began their careers around the same time, Rohit in 2007 and Kohli in 2008. Over the last 18 years, they have been the bedrock of India’s batting, leading the country to three T20 World Cups, one ODI World Cup, and two Champions Trophy titles. Both have now retired from T20Is and Tests, with ODIs remaining their only active format. Kohli and Rohit are India’s second and third highest run-scorers in ODIs, with 14,867 and 11,757 runs respectively.

The milestone, however, comes amid intense speculation over Rohit’s international future. According to The Indian Express report, the selectors have decided to move on from the 39-year-old opener, with the Lord’s ODI potentially being his last appearance in India colours. Despite the uncertainty, Rohit took the field alongside Kohli to achieve the historic feat.

The series is locked at 1-1 heading into the decider after India won the opening game, chasing down 259 comfortably courtesy of Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 80 and all-round show from Axar Patel. The host struck back, beating the Men in Blue by four wickets in the second game to equalise the series.

Most Matches Played Together in International Cricket

Pair	Matches
Kumar Sangakkara/Mahela Jayawardene (SL)	550
Tillakaratne Dilshan/ Mahela Jayawardene (SL)	426
Kumar Sangakkara/Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL)	418
Sanath Jayasuriya/Muttiah Muralitharan (SL)	408
Jacques Kallis/Mark Boucher (SA)	407
Rohit Sharma/Virat Kohli (IND)	400*
Sachin Tendulkar/ Rahul Dravid (IND)	391
Sanath Jayasuriya/Chaminda Vaas (SL)	391

“But having said all of that, there is a way in which some of the seniors will want to finish, and I do wish they are given that opportunity because of what they’ve achieved for the country. But in saying that, it is not the easiest thing to achieve because sometimes not all fairy tales have a happy ending,” he added.

The 41-year-old sympathised with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, admitting that it was not easy to decide between having one of the finest white-ball players in the team and blooding in one of the future superstars with just over a year to go for the ODI World Cup.

“Right now, India is at a place where no other cricketing nation is. The number of cricketers that could fill up spots across the XI for any player is obviously the highest it has ever been, and it is definitely the highest right now among any cricketing nation.”

“So, there is going to be pressure for every player involved, and that’s what makes playing for the country right now so much more difficult. As a selector as well, it’s not easy. If you’re sitting in Ajit Agarkar’s chair, to weigh the possibility of having a current superstar or one that could be a superstar in a few years, we’re talking about some of the greatest that have played the game,” Karthik said.

The 2007 T20 World Cup winner said that regardless of when and where Sharma finished his career, his legacy as one of India’s greatest white-ball players was unquestionable.

“Irrespective of whenever he [Rohit] finishes, I do feel he’s been one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers. The kind of attitude he’s brought to the table, and the kind of memories he’s created on and off the field with so many players, is what will keep him smiling for the rest of his life,” he said.

Ahead of the third and final ODI on Sunday, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed confidence in Sharma overcoming his lean run and figuring out a way to score runs.

“It is hard work with a new ball up front. We’ve seen throughout the series that the ball is moving around. Batting up front is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out.”

“He has done it in the past, he is experienced. And he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things,” he said.