Rohit Sharma's Retirement Plan Revealed After Failure In 2nd ODI Vs England

Rohit Sharma for India [Source: AP]

Rohit Sharma's difficult run with the bat showed no signs of ending as the former Indian captain endured yet another disappointing outing in the ongoing ODI series against England. After showing glimpses of his old self with a brisk 79 off 69 balls against Afghanistan last month, Rohit has failed to carry that momentum into English conditions.

The veteran opener managed just 11 runs in the series opener before another underwhelming knock in the second ODI. While questions have started emerging over whether the 39-year-old is battling a mental block or feeling insecure about his place in the side, his childhood coach Dinesh Lad has now broken his silence on the matter.

Dinesh Lad backs Rohit Sharma's class; denies any insecurity

Amid growing discussions around Rohit's dip in form, his childhood coach Dinesh Lad dismissed suggestions that the former Indian captain is feeling insecure about his place in the national side.

Speaking to MyKhel shortly after Rohit's dismissal in the second ODI, Lad backed his former student and insisted that insecurity is not the reason behind the lean patch.

"I don't think Rohit is insecure, he would have retired had it been that. People have a lot of expectations and a lot of hype around him. But I feel he is hundred per cent eligible for World Cup," Lad told MyKhel.

However, when asked whether Rohit Sharma could continue to hold his place in the Indian side if the poor run with the bat persists, the respected Mumbai coach chose not to comment on the matter.

While Lad has firmly ruled out insecurity as a factor, Rohit's batting in England has continued to raise concerns, with the opener struggling to produce the fluent strokeplay that has been synonymous with his career.

Also Read- Rohit Sharma Notches Up Huge Record Vs England, Surpasses MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant

Rohit Sharma's struggles continue in England

India were hoping for a trademark Sharma innings in the second ODI on July 16 after Rohit failed to make an impact in the opening game. However, the experienced batter once again struggled to dominate the English attack.

Opening the innings, Rohit scored 26 runs off 47 deliveries before his stay at the crease came to an end. He struck just one four and one six during his innings while batting at a strike rate of 55.31, a far cry from the aggressive brand of cricket that has defined his ODI career in recent years.

Rohit revolutionised powerplay batting by taking on the new ball from the very first over. However, the attacking intent that made him one of the most destructive ODI openers now appears to have faded, with the veteran looking unusually cautious during the England series. 

Rohit Sharma's form raises fresh questions over World Cup 2027

Although Sharma remains one of India's greatest ODI batters, his recent performances have naturally reignited discussions about his long-term future in the format.

Rohit has found it difficult to produce substantial scores away from home in recent months, and his conservative batting approach in England has only added to the scrutiny. Expectations from Rohit Sharma have always been exceptionally high because of his remarkable consistency.

With the ODI World Cup 2027 gradually coming into focus, every innings from the veteran will now be closely monitored with even rumours signalling management preferring Virat Kohli but not him for the 2027 leg because of his fitness.

Also Read- Virat Kohli Breaks Another Sachin Tendulkar Record In 2nd ODI Vs England