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The third and final One Day International (ODI) between England and India <\/strong><\/a>at Lord\u2019s on July 19, 2026, delivered high drama, breathtaking strokeplay, and a defining moment in Indian cricket history. Chasing a massive target of 388 runs in the series decider in London, India fell short by 27 runs, conceding the three-match rubber 2-1 to the hosts. Yet, despite the team\u2019s defeat, the match will forever be remembered for a monumental knock by veteran opener Rohit Sharma<\/strong>. Amid intense speculation surrounding his international future, the 39-year-old maestro produced a masterpiece of 138 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Rohit\u2019s sensational hundred at the \u2018Home of Cricket\u2019 came off a willow gifted by fellow Mumbai all-rounder Thakur. Sensing that his own bats lacked the ideal balance during the high-stakes chase, the former Indian skipper turned to Thakur\u2019s equipment in the dressing room.<\/p>\n Speaking about the gesture, Thakur, affectionately known as \u2018Lord Thakur\u2019, expressed his delight in aiding his senior teammate. Thakur revealed that bat manufacturer Jatin Sareen had supplied him with top-quality SS willows, a couple of which Rohit had previously asked to borrow because he loved their feel and pickup. Having grown up playing together from school cricket to Mumbai\u2019s domestic circuit and the Mumbai Indians IPL setup, Thakur noted that denying Rohit the bats was simply out of the question. He shared immense pride in seeing Rohit script history on cricket\u2019s grandest stage using his willow.<\/p>\n \u201cI am signed with SS bats and Jatin Sareen (owner) has been very kind to send me some excellent piece of willows. Rohit once requested me to give him a couple of bats since he loved them. We all love him and he\u2019s given us so many joyful moments in the game of cricket that denying him the bats was out of question. And today I am really happy that he scored his historic hundred at Lord\u2019s cricket ground using one of my bats<\/em>,\u201d Thakur stated to The Indian Express.<\/p>\n The century arrived at a critical juncture, silencing external noise regarding Rohit\u2019s future ahead of India\u2019s upcoming series in September. Reaching triple figures off just 84 deliveries with a delicate sweep off Adil Rashid<\/strong><\/a>, Rohit offered a calm fist bump to non-striker Virat Kohli before gesturing warmly toward the dressing room and his family in the stands.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0Top 5 highest team totals in ODI cricket at Lord\u2019s ft. India<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Rohit\u2019s 138-run blitz marked a landmark achievement, making him the first Indian batter in history to score an ODI century at Lord\u2019s. Laced with 17 fours and 5 maximums, his knock equalled Sir Viv Richards<\/strong>\u2018 1979 World Cup final record for the highest score by an overseas batter at the iconic venue.<\/p>\n The innings also shattered multiple historic benchmarks:<\/p>\n Though India missed out on securing the series victory, Rohit\u2019s fighting effort proved that his hunger for performing on the big stage remains undiminished.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0Top 5 players with most ODI hundreds in a visiting country ft. Rohit Sharma<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nShardul Thakur opens up about the bat that helped Rohit Sharma script history at Lord\u2019s<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rohit becomes India\u2019s first centurion at Lord\u2019s in ODIs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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