Rohit Sharma has been asked to remain relaxed and free from external pressure to keep his mind fresh as head coach Gautam Gambhir wants the best performance from the experienced opener, who has done a lot for the India national cricket team over the years.
On 15 July, it was reported that India head coach Gautam Gambhir suggested that Rohit should revert to his natural batting style after a disappointing performance against England in Birmingham for the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series.
Will Rohit Sharma play 2027 ODI World Cup?
As Team India prepares for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027, the performance of cricketers in this format, including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and other senior cricketers, is also likely to be under the scanner of the selectors.
Rohit, who is 39 years old now and will turn 40 by the next ODI World Cup, was believed to be uncertain about his participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup. As soon as he was out after scoring only 11 runs in 21 balls, speculations regarding the opener’s future became widespread.
If reports are to be believed, Gautam Gambhir has freed Rohit from the extra burden. It is always believed that players can perform best when they are free from extra pressure. Clear communication often proves to be the best way to help a player remain free from unnecessary worries about his role on the team.
According to the latest reports, the head coach has advised Rohit to bat in his own way and express himself without hesitation.
A source told India Today, “Rohit has done a lot for this team and the country in white-ball cricket. The coach wants him to play the way he has during his career and express himself freely. The way Rohit Sharma is batting under pressure, it seems clear that he needs some time and mental space instead of constant scrutiny.”
Team India wants to see another masterclass from Rohit Sharma
The source mentioned that the Gautam Gambhir-led team management wants the best from the former India captain and not by putting extra pressure on him, as Rohit has been serving the team for a long time and had helped the national cricket team achieve many prestigious titles when he was the leader of the Men in Blue.
The source said, “Players of his caliber often perform at their best when they are free from external pressure and are allowed to trust their instincts. Instead of over-analyzing every innings, it is important to back someone who has performed consistently well for India over the years. A calm and confident Rohit Sharma is capable of changing games on his own, and sometimes belief and patience are as important as technical adjustments.”
The experienced opener opened his account in the ODI series by hitting a four off Jofra Archer and playing his trademark pull shot. Soon after hitting a four on the fast bowler, another England fast bowler Sam Curran took the wicket of Rohit Sharma. He again went to hit the ball but missed and it went into the safe hands of England captain Harry Brook.