Kotak Dismisses Pressure Talk Around Rohit Sharma, Backs Opener for Lord’s Series Decider

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma despite the veteran opener’s modest returns in the ongoing ODI series against England. Kotak brushed aside suggestions that the 39-year-old is under pressure regarding his place in the side, expressing firm confidence that the former captain can deliver a match-winning performance in the series decider at Lord’s.

Rohit’s form has come under intense scrutiny following another subdued outing in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16. The right-hander laboured to 26 off 47 balls, failing to find his rhythm before perishing while attempting a sweep against Will Jacks.

The innings underscored Rohit’s recent struggles in the 50-over format. In eight ODIs this year, the 39-year-old has managed just one half-century and averages 30.12, fuelling speculation over his long-term future as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“I don’t think a player as big as Rohit can feel the pressure. He’s too good a player to feel that. Yes, he hasn’t scored in two games. I don’t think that makes any difference. But today also it looked like he’ll get a good innings, but that’s okay,” Kotak said.

The batting coach also rejected the notion that Rohit was struggling at the crease, attributing the quiet innings to pitch conditions and a lack of scoring opportunities that prevented him from playing his natural attacking game.

“On a given day, there are a lot of batters who don’t get the momentum they are looking for, and that can happen. You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord’s. I wouldn’t use the word struggling,” Kotak added.

He further explained that the variable bounce on offer in Cardiff may have forced Rohit to adjust his approach.

“The shots he normally plays on the up, probably because of the double bounce, he didn’t feel comfortable. Shubman got a quick start, Virat got a quick start, but Rohit probably didn’t get balls in his slot. You could definitely see a completely different innings from a player like Rohit. I’ve seen that happen with a lot of batters, so it’s not just Rohit.”

England bounced back strongly in the second ODI after losing the series opener. Asked to bat first, India posted a competitive total thanks to useful contributions throughout the order. However, England produced a composed chase to reach the target with four wickets in hand, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.

With the series tied, attention now shifts to the third and final ODI at Lord’s, where India will aim to regain momentum.

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