 "Rohit Sharma (left) walks back after getting out for just 2 runs in 1st ODI vs England. Image: AP/Ashwin-YouTube")
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern over Rohit Sharma’s current form, offering clear advice to the Team India captain as he looks to regain his batting rhythm ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite being a stalwart of Indian cricket, Rohit has struggled with his form recently, especially after a disappointing showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he even dropped himself from the final Test in Sydney. His woes continued in the opening ODI of the three-match series against England in Nagpur, where he was dismissed for just two runs.
Ashwin speaks on Rohit’s dismal batting form
Speaking candidly about Rohit Sharma ’s situation, Ashwin explained the complexities of the challenge the batter faces. “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 from the one-day tournaments I’ve played. But people will ask questions,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
He added, “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. But as a cricketer, I understand what Rohit is going through. It’s not easy. I pray that he does well and scores a century in this series."
Rohit’s poor form in the longest format has been a cause for concern. In the recent long Test season, he managed just 164 runs from eight matches, at a dismal average of 10.93, with only one half-century to his name. This has put additional pressure on the captain ahead of the upcoming international tournaments, including the highly anticipated Champions Trophy, scheduled to start on 19 February.
Ashwin expressed confidence that Rohit will bounce back in the upcoming matches, highlighting his exceptional record in the format. Rohit has been a key figure in India’s ODI lineup over the past few years, with his performances in the last two editions of the Cricket World Cup showcasing his skill and consistency. The second ODI game against England is slated to take place on Sunday, 9 February. Rohit will look to contribute significantly with the bat.