Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been going through a difficult phase with the bat, as he continues his struggle for runs in recent matches. The veteran batter has failed to deliver in the recent past against Australia where he also opted out of the fifth Test in Sydney. Sharma’s return to domestic cricket in the Ranji Trophy also did not yield favorable results, as his lean patch continued in the first ODI against England, where he managed just two runs.
Ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit’s form has become a major concern for India. The remaining two ODIs against England will give a notable opportunity for the 37-year-old to regain his rhythm and silence critics.
Meanwhile, considering his struggles, Rohit has faced severe criticism on social media. Debates about his place in the Test team have already started, and if his performances do not change, such debates might be repeated for his position also in the ODI format despite his heroics till date.
The former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes criticism will not be shunned and believes that with his performances Rohit can end all doubts.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that he is optimistic about the opener’s performances in the Champions Trophy given the good results he has yielded in the format.
‘He wants to concentrate on the series’ – Ravichandran Ashwin on Rohit Sharma’s performances in ODIs
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin talked about being optimistic about the opener’s performances in the Champions Trophy, citing his success in the format.
“This is not easy. If you look at it from Rohit’s point of view, then obviously, it is frustrating for him. He wants to concentrate on the series. He thinks that I’ve done well in this format and I’d like to continue. I’m going into the tournament with a lot of confidence on the back of the One-Day tournaments that I’ve played,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“But people will ask questions. The ones who are watching will obviously ask. It’s a catch-22 situation. You can’t stop these questions. When will they stop? When he performs,” he added.
Rohit has aggregated only 166 runs in his last 16 innings across formats. His role as an opening batter remains crucial for Team India, and the Men in Blue will be hoping for him to rediscover his form ahead of the marquee tournament.
Meanwhile, star batter Virat Kohli is also under the scanner after struggling with consistency in recent months. He missed the opening ODI against England due to a knee injury, and his performances in the remaining matches will be closely monitored.
