Veteran India opener Rohit Sharma finds himself under the spotlight once again as questions continue to surround his batting form and ODI future. The 39-year-old returned to international cricket in the ongoing three-match ODI series against England but managed just 11 runs off 21 balls in India’s successful chase of 259 in the opening match at Edgbaston.

Despite being India’s third-highest run-scorer in ODI history, Rohit’s recent performances have sparked speculation over whether he will remain part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Reports have suggested that the BCCI could reconsider his place in the squad if he fails to deliver consistently during the England series, making the remaining two matches crucial for the experienced batter.

However, a fresh report from India Today claims that head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his full support behind Rohit and wants him to continue playing with complete freedom rather than worrying about outside criticism.

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“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 throughout his career and express himself freely,” a source was quoted as saying.

According to the report, the Indian team management believes Rohit performs at his best when he is free from external pressure. Instead of focusing on discussions surrounding his future, Gambhir has reportedly encouraged the veteran opener to trust his natural attacking instincts.

“The way Rohit Sharma has been batting under pressure, it seems clear that he needs a bit of time and mental space rather than constant scrutiny,” the source added.

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The report further stated that the management is concentrating on the present rather than long-term planning. “Nobody knows what the future holds. Right now, the focus is on helping Rohit play with complete peace of mind so he can contribute whenever he takes the field,” the source said.

Rohit captained India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title before Shubman Gill was later appointed as the team’s new ODI captain. As India look to seal the series against England, Rohit will be eager to silence the critics with a significant contribution in the remaining matches.