'He is too good to feel pressure' - Batting coach backs out-of-form Rohit Sharma ahead of Lord's ODI
The reports have emerged stating that the third and final match of the series at Lord's might be Rohit's last ODI for India.
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India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed Rohit Sharma despite the veteran opener's underwhelming performances in the ongoing ODI series against England. Kotak dismissed suggestions that Rohit is under pressure over his place in the side, expressing confidence that the former India captain can produce a match-winning knock in the series decider at Lord's.
Rohit's form has come under scrutiny after another disappointing outing in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16. The right-handed batter struggled to find his rhythm during India's innings, scoring a slow-paced 26 off 47 deliveries before falling while attempting a sweep against Will Jacks.
The innings once again highlighted Rohit's recent struggles in the 50-over format. In eight ODIs this year, the 39-year-old has managed just one half-century and is averaging 30.12, leading to speculation about his long-term future with the team as India begin preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Addressing the media after India's defeat in Cardiff, Kotak made it clear that a player of Rohit's stature is unlikely to be affected by outside noise or criticism.
"I don't think a player as big as Rohit can feel the pressure. He's too good a player to feel that. Yes, he hasn't scored in two games. I don't think that makes any difference. But today also it looked like he'll get a good innings, but that's okay," Kotak said.
The batting coach also rejected the notion that Rohit was struggling at the crease, suggesting that the pitch conditions and lack of scoring opportunities prevented him from playing his natural attacking game.
"On a given day, there are a lot of batters who don't get the momentum they are looking for, and that can happen. You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord's. I wouldn't use the word struggling," Kotak added.
He further explained that the surface in Cardiff, which offered variable bounce, may have forced Rohit to alter his approach.
"The shots he normally plays on the up, probably because of the double bounce, he didn't feel comfortable. Shubman got a quick start, Virat got a quick start, but Rohit probably didn't get balls in his slot. You could definitely see a completely different innings from a player like Rohit. I've seen that happen with a lot of batters, so it's not just Rohit."
Rohit Sharma no longer in India's ODI plans after ENG series
The second ODI saw England bounce back strongly after losing the series opener. Put in to bat first, India posted a competitive total, thanks to useful contributions from the top order and middle order. However, England produced a composed batting display in the chase, reaching the target with four wickets in hand to level the three-match series 1-1.
With the series now tied, all eyes will be on the third and final ODI at Lord's, where India will look to regain momentum.
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