India's batting coach backs Rohit Sharma amid ODI struggles

India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma's recent struggles in the ongoing ODI series against England, attributing the opener's lack of runs to challenging batting conditions rather than form issues. Speaking after India's defeat in the second ODI at Cardiff, Kotak emphasized that Sharma remains a player of immense caliber and is not under pressure.

Challenging Conditions, Not Poor Form

Rohit Sharma managed just 26 runs off 43 balls in Cardiff, looking out of rhythm before being dismissed while attempting a sweep against Will Jacks. Kotak, however, refrained from labeling Sharma's performance as "struggling," citing the unpredictable nature of cricket and the difficulty of batting on a surface with double bounce.

"Maybe the shots he normally plays on the up, because of the double bounce, he probably felt they were not comfortable," Kotak explained. "Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli got quick starts, but Rohit didn’t get balls in his areas or didn’t get going. That’s what I felt."

Optimism Ahead of Lord’s Decider

Looking ahead to the series decider at Lord’s, Kotak expressed confidence in Sharma’s ability to bounce back. "You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord’s. He’s too good a player to feel pressure. I don’t think his lack of runs makes any difference," he said.

Broader Challenges for India

India’s batting lineup faced broader challenges in Cardiff, with Washington Sundar’s hamstring injury and quick dismissals of Axar Patel and Shivam Dube derailing their innings. Kotak acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to the surface’s double pace and bounce, which also affected Sharma’s rhythm.

"The wicket may have gone a little slower in the second half, and Joe Root just stayed on the wicket. If we had got Root out or added another 35-40 runs, the chase could have been interesting," Kotak noted. India’s total of 233 proved insufficient as England leveled the series.

What’s Next?

With the series now tied, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and the Indian batting lineup as they prepare for the final ODI at Lord’s. The match will not only decide the series but also serve as a test for Sharma’s ability to overcome recent challenges and deliver under pressure.

Source: Indian Express