India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed reports suggesting Rohit Sharma is under pressure to retire from ODI cricket after the ongoing series against England. His comments came after India’s four-wicket defeat in the second ODI at Cardiff, where Rohit once again failed to make a significant contribution with the bat.
Speculation about Rohit’s future has intensified after reports claimed the BCCI selection committee wants to prepare a younger squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, Kotak made it clear that the experienced opener is not facing any pressure from the team management.
Reports Claim BCCI Wants To Move Beyond Rohit Sharma
According to recent reports, the BCCI selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, has informed Rohit Sharma that he is not part of India’s long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The reports further claimed that the selectors are looking to give Yashasvi Jaiswal regular opportunities at the top of the order as part of the team’s transition.
Although the board cannot force a player to retire, the reports suggested that Rohit has been advised to consider moving on after the current ODI series against England.
Sitanshu Kotak Rejects Pressure Claims
Speaking after India’s defeat in the second ODI, Kotak denied that Rohit is under any pressure regarding his future.
He said a player of Rohit’s stature has enough experience to deal with lean patches.
“I don’t think a big player like Rohit Sharma can have any sort of pressure. He’s too good a player to feel that. Yes, he didn’t get runs in the opening two matches, but I don’t think that makes any difference,” Kotak said.
He also added that Rohit looked capable of playing a big innings before getting out and backed the veteran to bounce back.
Kotak Backs Rohit To Deliver At Lord’s
Kotak believes poor form over a couple of matches should not be seen as a major concern.
He pointed out that every batter goes through difficult phases and said Rohit could easily produce a match-winning knock in the series decider.
“You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord’s,” Kotak said.
According to the batting coach, experienced players often recover quickly after a few disappointing outings.
Why Rohit Hasn’t Looked Comfortable
Kotak also explained why Rohit appeared uncomfortable on the Cardiff pitch.
He felt the surface offered uneven bounce, making it difficult for Rohit to play his usual attacking shots through the line.
Meanwhile, other Indian batters, including Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, settled more quickly after getting deliveries in their preferred areas.
“I wouldn’t use the word ‘struggling.’ The double bounce probably made it difficult for him to play the shots he normally likes. He just didn’t get the deliveries in his slot,” Kotak explained.
Rohit Sharma’s Form Under Scrutiny
Rohit’s poor returns in the first two ODIs have increased the debate around his future in international cricket.
The veteran opener managed only a modest score in the second match, continuing a disappointing run with the bat. As a result, discussions about India’s transition towards younger players have gathered pace.
Despite the speculation, the Indian team management has publicly backed Rohit and maintained that a couple of low scores do not define a player of his quality.
Series Decider At Lord’s
With the three-match ODI series level at 1-1, all eyes will now be on the final match at Lord’s.
The decider could prove crucial not only for the series result but also for Rohit Sharma, who will be looking to silence critics with a strong performance.
For now, the Indian camp has made it clear that they continue to trust their experienced opener despite the growing retirement rumours.