Patel highlighted that Rohit has a proven track record of silencing critics with his bat.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has publicly supported Rohit Sharma amid intense speculation that the upcoming final ODI against England on Sunday (July 19) at Lord's could mark the final international match of his illustrious career.
Speaking on JioStar, Patel highlighted that Rohit has a proven track record of silencing critics with his bat and hoped he would sign off with a memorable century if this is indeed his final appearance.
Rohit has looked a pale shadow of himself in the ongoing England series. His laboured, defensive approach has sparked speculations that the selectors are looking to transition to younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal for the 2027 World Cup.
"If the Lord's ODI is indeed the last match of his career, Rohit Sharma would want to sign off with a century. He is more than capable of doing that. We've seen it throughout his career - after two or three low scores, he often bounces back with a match-winning knock in the very next innings," Patel said.
"The difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has always been consistency. Rohit may not score heavily in every game, but when he does, he plays a substantial innings and often ends up winning the Player of the Match award. He didn't look comfortable in this game," he added, referring to the veteran opener’s struggle in the second ODI.
Patel explicitly cited Sharma’s struggle with the variable bounce at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where the latter scored a sluggish 26 off 47 balls. This follows the knock of 11-ball 21 in the series opener at Edgbaston.
"But this is another opportunity for him to silence his critics. It has happened many times before, and he has always responded with the bat. So, if the Lord's ODI is indeed his final match, I hope he plays an innings that people remember for a long time," Patel stated.
Legendary India leg-spinner Anil Kumble also weighed in on the discussion. He bypassed the retirement rumors to praise Rohit's class, noting that like Kohli and Joe Root, the veteran opener plays low-risk, high-reward cricket with an effortless, reactive approach.
"What makes Root, Kohli, and Rohit so successful is that their run-scoring looks effortless. They don't premeditate. They react to the ball. They play low-risk, high-reward cricket rather than high-risk, high-reward cricket. When you have that kind of class, grace, and mindset, it makes life easier for the entire team," Kumble said.