Former India captain Rohit Sharma added another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career during the third ODI against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The veteran opener produced a stunning 138 off just 110 balls, becoming the first Indian batter to register an ODI century at the iconic venue. At 39 years and 80 days, Rohit also became one of the oldest player in ODI history to score a hundred. In addition, he overtook Sachin Tendulkar to become the oldest Indian cricketer to score an international century across all formats.
5 oldest players to score an ODI hundred
1. Khurram Khan (UAE) – 43 years, 162 days
Khurram Khan continues to hold the record as the oldest player to score a century in ODI cricket. The former UAE captain achieved the feat with an unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan in Dubai. His record remains unmatched, and he is still the only player to score an ODI century after turning 40.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 39 years, 212 days
Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya proved that experience can be just as valuable as youth when he smashed 107 against India in Dambulla in 2009. The aggressive left-hander delivered another memorable innings late in his career to become the second-oldest ODI centurion.
3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 39 years, 159 days
Chris Gayle showcased his trademark power-hitting during an unforgettable knock against England in Grenada in 2019. The West Indies legend blasted 162 runs in a dominant display, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in limited-overs cricket even in the latter stages of his career.
4. Ed Joyce (Ireland) – 39 years, 111 days
Former Ireland batter Ed Joyce occupies the fourth spot on the list after scoring an unbeaten 116 against the UAE in Dubai in 2018. His composed innings highlighted his experience and consistency, helping Ireland post a commanding total while earning him a place among the oldest ODI centurions.
5. Rohit Sharma (India) – 39 years, 80 days
Rohit entered this elite list after his magnificent innings against England at Lord’s. His 138-run knock not only made him the first Indian to score an ODI century at the historic ground but also saw him surpass Tendulkar’s long-standing record to become India’s oldest international centurion.
Rohit answers critics with a memorable knock
Rohit’s latest century came at a time when questions surrounding his future in international cricket had gained momentum. Reports in recent weeks had suggested that India’s selectors were looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, leading to widespread speculation over the veteran opener’s place in the squad.
The Indian skipper responded in the best possible manner by producing a commanding innings filled with elegant stroke play and calculated aggression. He struck 11 boundaries and five sixes during his 110-ball 138, reminding everyone why he remains one of the world’s premier ODI batters.
Although India fell 27 runs short in the series-deciding match, Rohit’s performance stood out as the biggest positive for the visitors. His record-breaking century further underlined his longevity, adaptability and hunger for runs, while reinforcing his credentials as one of the finest ODI batters of his generation. The innings also marked his eighth ODI century on English soil, adding yet another milestone to an already glittering career.
