Rohit Sharma made a quiet yet powerful appearance at The Oval on Saturday, August 2, just as India and England resumed hostilities on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test. Though retired from Test cricket, Rohit’s arrival sent a strong signal of unity and leadership as his former teammates battled it out in a series-deciding clash.
In a video shared by ANI, the former Indian Test captain was seen entering the ground moments before the first ball of the day was bowled. Dressed casually, with his familiar calm demeanour, Rohit’s presence was a touching reminder of the deep bonds within the Indian squad.
Having bid farewell to the longest format after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year, Rohit now serves as a mentor-like figure, even as the torch has been passed to Shubman Gill.
WATCH – From Tension to Tenderness: Ben Duckett And Akash Deep Share a Hug After Day 2 Drama
Rohit hasn’t distanced himself from the game, though. He recently led India to glory in the 2025 Champions Trophy and ended his T20I career on a high, lifting the T20 World Cup earlier this year. While his bat may no longer grace Test whites, his shadow still looms large in the dressing room.
Ye woh wahi hain na, jo aise bolte hain 😉 #SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Ob9Oi9fkBQ
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025
#WATCH | United Kingdom | Indian Cricketer Rohit Sharma arrives at The Oval in London for #INDvsEND Fifth Test Day 3 match. pic.twitter.com/rM6MXMsazd
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025
India, meanwhile, have displayed impressive grit despite being hit hard by injuries. Rishabh Pant’s fractured foot and Jasprit Bumrah’s restricted availability have tested their depth. But young guns like Akash Deep have risen to the occasion. Initially deployed as a nightwatchman, Akash has stunned many with his composure and contribution with the bat on Day 3.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, a cornerstone of this Indian batting unit, continued to anchor the innings with poise, giving India a fighting chance in this tightly contested battle.
WATCH – Ravi Shastri and Michael Atherton React Strongly To Akash Deep’s Send-Off to Ben Duckett
England, however, will rue their sloppy fielding. Several missed chances have allowed India to claw back. As the day unfolds, these lapses might just tilt the momentum in favour of the visitors, with Rohit’s presence offering a timely emotional boost from the sidelines.
