New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has thrown its weight behind veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following India’s 2-1 ODI series defeat to England, with vice president Rajeev Shukla insisting the team’s combination remains solid despite the setback.
Speaking after India’s 27 run loss in the series decider at Lord’s, Shukla praised Rohit and Kohli for leading the fightback with outstanding performances and dismissed concerns over the team’s balance.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli proved once again that they are world class batters and still have plenty left in them. Shubman Gill also batted brilliantly. The team combination is good and everything is fine,” Shukla said.
India came close to pulling off a record chase after England posted 387 for 3, the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord’s. Ben Duckett led the hosts with a career best 142, while Jacob Bethell contributed 91. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 74, and Jos Buttler’s explosive 41 off just 13 balls powered England with 62 runs in the final three overs.
Chasing 388, Rohit produced a memorable 138 off 110 balls, becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s and registering the highest individual ODI score by an Indian against England in England. He shared a 147 run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 77, before adding 113 runs with Virat Kohli, who struck a fluent 74.
The Rohit Kohli partnership was their 21st century stand in ODIs, moving them into second place on the all time list behind Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.
India looked well placed at 304 for 2, but a dramatic middle order collapse turned the match in England’s favour. Sam Curran claimed four crucial wickets as England restricted India to 360 for 7, sealing the series.
Shukla acknowledged that England’s late assault with the bat proved decisive but expressed confidence that the Indian side remains on the right track despite the defeat.
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