Rohit Sharma’s poor form in ODI cricket continued in the second match against England and now another big debate has started over the former Indian captain’s approach with the bat. After failing to make an impact in the opening match of the ongoing three-match ODI series, Rohit once again missed the chance to play a big innings in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16.
The senior opener looked far from his usual attacking avatar as he managed only 26 runs from 47 balls before being dismissed by Will Jacks at Sophia Gardens in the second ODI. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma was forced to retire after the Lord’s ODI.
Dodda Ganesh questions Rohit Sharma’s cautious batting approach
Reacting to the Hitman’s slow innings, former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh said that Rohit Sharma is no longer batting with the freedom that made him one of the most dangerous openers in the world.
Rohit’s poor performance in ODI cricket has been continuing for several months. After struggling in the home ODI series against New Zealand earlier this year, he was able to score only 11 runs in the first ODI against England. He also failed to make a big impact in the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June before scoring a timely half-century in the final match in Chennai.
With another low score in Cardiff, Rohit’s ODI average for the year has fallen to 30.12, his lowest in a season since 2012 in years in which he has played at least five ODIs. The figures have increased the pressure on the experienced opener at a time when there is uncertainty over his place in the team. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was left furious after Ben Duckett took a sharp catch in the second ODI against England.
Dodda Ganesh feels the pressure of the Indian spot is taking its toll on Rohit Sharma
Dodda Ganesh has said that Rohit’s batting has changed because he might be thinking too much about his place in the playing eleven. The former India fast bowler even said that the right-handed batsman looked unusually cautious in Cardiff instead of playing his natural aggressive game.
Ganesh posted on
Rohit Sharma’s timid batting style is shocking to say the least. It has been a long time since I have seen Rohit in such a mindset in ODIs. Perhaps the pressure of retaining his place is going on in his mind #ENGvIND
— Dodda Ganesh डॉड़े गानेश (@doddaganesha) July 16, 2026
Rohit is under pressure waiting for Yashasvi Jaiswal
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s slow start also put additional pressure on India during the powerplay. He scored only 10 runs from his first 18 balls, while Shubman Gill played with much more fluency at the other end, scoring 31 runs from just 30 balls.
However, Rohit added 44 crucial runs with Gill and 60 runs with Virat Kohli, who scored a much-needed half-century against England in Cardiff. It played an important role in India putting 233 runs on the board.
After this failure, the pressure on Rohit’s place in the ODI team has increased because Yashasvi Jaiswal is waiting for his chance. Jaiswal has impressed in his first six ODIs, averaging 71.25 and his form has put immense pressure on the former Indian skipper.