![Rohit Sharma in action [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784353147227_RohitSharmaIndia(1).jpg?type=hq)
Rohit Sharma in action [Source: AFP]
Rohit Sharma has been under immense pressure over the last few days after reports claimed that the selectors are planning to move on from him ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia insisted that Rohit will continue to play "as long as he's in the scheme of things", that phrase itself comes with a condition that he has to keep performing.
With Rohit averaging just over 30 in ODIs in 2026, the third ODI at Lord's could well turn into a do-or-die contest for the Indian opener. However, this isn't the first time the Hitman has found himself staring at an uncertain future.
Throughout his career, Rohit Sharma has repeatedly bounced back whenever his place in the Indian team came under serious threat. Here are three occasions when he rescued his career with timely performances.
1. The Bengaluru double century and cementation of India opener spot
By the end of the 2013 Champions Trophy, Rohit had started repaying MS Dhoni's faith after being promoted to open the batting. However, many still believed his success was only a temporary purple patch, with critics continuing to question whether he could consistently deliver against top-quality attacks.
The pressure only intensified during the deciding 7th ODI against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on November 2, 2013.
India needed a victory to clinch the seven-match series, but an early mix-up between Rohit and Virat Kohli resulted in Kohli getting run out without facing a ball. With the responsibility of carrying India's batting almost entirely on his shoulders, Rohit responded.
He hammered 209 off 158 balls, becoming only the third batter in ODI history to score a double hundred while smashing a then-world record 16 sixes in an innings. India posted 383/6 before winning the match by 57 runs to seal the series 3-2.
More importantly, the knock erased every remaining doubt over Rohit Sharma's credentials as an ODI opener. From being a player constantly fighting for his place, he became India's permanent opening batter, with the "Hitman" era officially beginning from that unforgettable night in Bengaluru.
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2. MS Dhoni backed Rohit after his disastrous Sri Lanka series to create the ‘Hitman’
The 2012 ODI series in Sri Lanka remains the lowest point of Rohit's international career. Batting in the middle order, he managed only 13 runs in five innings, recording one of the worst batting returns by an Indian specialist batter in a bilateral ODI series.
Calls for his removal grew louder after every match, but then-captain MS Dhoni refused to give up on him. Instead of dropping Rohit, the team management continued backing him and eventually arrived at a bold decision, promoting him to open the batting.
That gamble paid off immediately. Rohit Sharma smashed 83 against England in Mohali in his first match as a designated ODI opener in 2013, beginning one of the greatest transformations in modern cricket.
3. From World Cup snub to the comeback
Missing out on India's 2011 ODI World Cup squad remains one of the biggest heartbreaks of Rohit Sharma's career. The selectors preferred Piyush Chawla in the final squad, leaving Rohit devastated and facing criticism over his fitness and inconsistency.
Instead of letting disappointment define him, Rohit completely changed his approach. Guided by Yuvraj Singh's advice and determined to prove everyone wrong, he overhauled his fitness, work ethic and mindset before making his comeback.
The hard work produced immediate rewards as Rohit returned during the West Indies ODI series in 2011, won the Player of the Series award, and laid the foundation for the legendary career that followed.
Rohit now faces another challenge at Lord's
Rohit Sharma has repeatedly shown throughout his career that he performs his best when his place in the team comes under scrutiny. Every major setback has been followed by a remarkable comeback.
However, Lord's has never been a particularly happy hunting ground for Rohit in ODI cricket, and with his place in India's plans reportedly under question once again, Sunday's match could become another career-defining moment.
If he wants to remain "in the scheme of things", Rohit will have to deliver one more statement performance when India needs it the most.
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