'Hasn't scored in two games': India coach's verdict on Rohit Sharma amid poor form

India coach Sitanshu Kotak has firmly denied reports suggesting that Rohit Sharma is facing pressure to retire from international cricket, stating that the player is not under any such strain. During a post-match press conference following the second ODI against England, Kotak emphasized that Rohit, a veteran opener with a storied career, is not feeling the weight of expectations. The comments came as speculation grew over Sharma’s potential exit from the team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The second ODI, held in Cardiff, saw Rohit struggle for consistency, managing only 26 runs off 47 balls before his dismissal by Will Jacks. This followed a poor run of form in recent ODI matches, where Sharma has scored 241 runs at an average of 30.1 and a strike rate of 88.6 in eight games. His performance in Cardiff raised questions about his role in the upcoming series, particularly given the looming World Cup. Despite these concerns, Kotak maintained that Sharma is not under pressure and that the team is committed to supporting him. Kotak was asked directly whether the selectors were considering moving away from Sharma in favor of younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. He responded by highlighting Sharma’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. “A player as big as Rohit can’t feel the pressure,” Kotak said. “He’s too good a player to feel that.” He acknowledged Sharma’s lack of runs in the first two games but insisted that this does not define his overall contribution. “Yes, he didn’t get runs in the opening two matches, but I don’t think that makes any difference.” Kotak also pointed to external factors affecting Sharma’s performance, including the nature of the pitches and the conditions faced during the Cardiff game. He noted that some batters, including Sharma, may find it challenging to get into their rhythm due to unpredictable bounce and movement. “On a day, there are a lot of batters I’ve seen who don’t get that momentum they’re looking for, and that can happen,” he explained. “You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord’s.” The series is poised to conclude with the third and final ODI at Lord’s, where Sharma will have another opportunity to showcase his skills. The outcome of this match could significantly influence discussions surrounding his future with the national team. While some reports suggest that Sharma may play his final match for India during this series, Kotak has remained steadfast in his support for the veteran opener. Meanwhile, the rest of the Indian batting lineup showed signs of improvement. Captain Shubman Gill started strongly, scoring 31 off 30 balls before his dismissal, while Virat Kohli contributed a solid 65. Shreyas Iyer also performed well, top-scoring with 66. These performances helped India reach a competitive total of 233, though England ultimately chased down the target with ease, leveling the series at 1-1. As the final ODI approaches, the focus will remain on Sharma’s ability to deliver under pressure. Whether he can regain his form and silence the rumors surrounding his potential retirement will be a key factor in determining the direction of India’s batting strategy for the coming months. For now, Kotak’s unwavering support for Sharma suggests that the coaching staff sees value in his experience and leadership, even amidst the uncertainty.