Team India Releases Official Word On Rohit Sharma Amid Poor Form In England

Rohit Sharma has struggled in IND vs ENG ODIs [Source: AFP]

Rohit Sharma seems to be struggling with form and fitness concerns of late. After undergoing a below-par IPL 2026 season, at least by his standards, the legendary Indian opener has since listed just 37 runs in two innings of the ODI series in England at a dismal strike rate of 54.41. 

Just a day ahead of India’s series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s, the former Indian captain has now received unequivocal backing from India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel. 

Morne Morkel trusts Rohit Sharma to “work it out”

While speaking with the reporters during a pre-match press conference on Saturday, July 18, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel defended struggling opener Rohit Sharma amid his form concerns with the bat. 

The former South Africa bowler claimed that batting at the top is not always as easy as it seems, and trusted Sharma to “work out” his recent flaws and come up trumps for his national side. 

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Morkel said, “Batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out. He has done it in the past. He is experienced. And he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things.”

Form dip, injuries and retirement rumours plague Rohit Sharma

Rohit spent a good portion of the recently concluded IPL 2026 season on the sidelines owing to an injury. Overall, the cricketer also underwent a below-par season with the bat, aggregating just 283 runs in nine innings with just two half-centuries. 

The 39-year-old recently scored a sluggish 11 and made a scratchy 26 off 47 balls against England in the first two ODIs of India’s ongoing three-match series. With just 37 runs in two innings, the cricketer is averaging 18.50 in the series at a dismal strike rate of 54.41.

Moreover, the legendary opener was also recently hit with a retirement rumour, with several media outlets claiming the senior pro will exit from the game after India’s third ODI against England this weekend. 

However, that notion was later rejected by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who claimed that Sharma will continue to play for India as long as he is in the “scheme of things”.

Series on the line for India and England at Lord’s

Team India started off the three-match ODI series against England with a comprehensive six-wicket win in Birmingham on July 14. England fought back with a thrilling four-wicket win in Cardiff to level the series 1-1. 

With the series on the line, India and England will now be squaring off at the iconic Lord’s in London on Sunday, July 19. The action is slated to commence from 3:30 PM IST onwards. 

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