Mumbai, July 20: Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes Rohit Sharma’s match-winning century in the ODI series decider against England has ended the speculation surrounding the Indian captain, while stressing that India’s biggest challenge ahead is identifying a reliable pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Speaking on JioStar’s Match Centre Live, Karim said India’s batting unit performed well throughout the three-match series, with Rohit Sharma’s century, Shubman Gill’s consistent run-scoring and positive captaincy, and Virat Kohli’s fluent half-century emerging as major positives. However, he pointed out that India’s inexperienced pacers struggled in English conditions, particularly in the closing overs, making the search for a dependable bowling combination a priority.
England clinched the ODI series 2-1 after defeating India by 27 runs in a high-scoring final ODI at Lord’s.
Cheteshwar Pujara credited Rohit for staying mentally strong despite external criticism, saying the opener adapted to the conditions, paced his innings smartly, and accelerated after reaching his fifty. Irfan Pathan, meanwhile, downplayed the significance of Virat Kohli finally scoring at Lord’s, stating that the former India captain’s greatness has never depended on runs at a particular venue.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel felt India remained in control of the chase until the final three overs but failed to finish strongly with both bat and ball. He said the death overs proved decisive and highlighted the need for young Indian bowlers to improve their execution under pressure.
