Rohit Sharma, often hailed as the “Hitman” of world cricket, has been struggling for form in recent times, particularly in red-ball cricket. However, with the shift to ODIs, expectations were high for the Indian captain to bounce back in familiar conditions. Unfortunately, his return to the 50-over format in the opening ODI against England in Nagpur turned out to be a major disappointment, as he managed just two runs off six balls.
Chasing a target of 248, Rohit opened the innings alongside debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young left-hander, known for his aggressive stroke play, looked promising but failed to make a significant impact, departing for 15 off 22 balls. With Jaiswal gone early, all eyes were on Rohit to steady the innings and lead from the front. However, his stay at the crease was painfully short.
On just the second ball of the next over, Saqib Mahmood delivered a full-length ball on leg stump. Rohit attempted to flick it towards the leg side but played his shot too early, resulting in a leading edge that lobbed up towards mid-on. Liam Livingstone made no mistake in completing a simple catch, sending the Indian skipper back to the pavilion.
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The crowd in Nagpur fell silent, and the disappointment was evident on the faces of Indian fans and team management alike. Head coach Rahul Dravid looked visibly concerned as Rohit walked off, knowing that the early wickets had put India on the back foot.
— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) February 6, 2025
With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Rohit will be eager to regain his touch and put these struggles behind him. His recent form across formats has been worrying—over his last 17 international innings, he has managed just 201 runs at an average of 11.8, with only one half-century.
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As India now looks to its middle order to rescue the chase, the pressure is on Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul to deliver. The team needs a strong response, and fans will be hoping for a turnaround from their captain before a crucial phase of international cricket.
Show me more useless player than rohit sharma i will delete my account for forever pic.twitter.com/Mcl0bHI9tx
— Kevin (@imkevin149) February 6, 2025
No journalist player any role in Rohit Sharma becoming a white ball legend for India. No journalist player any role in him being picked for India. no journalist played any role in his loss of form. No journalist shud play role in his dropping. Selectors pls play ur role as u shud
— Amit (@nottheamit) February 6, 2025
Rohit Sharma is not Effective in powerplays, outside powerplays, in Tests, in ODIs, in India, Outside India 💔 pic.twitter.com/hPwrs1HsHs
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) February 6, 2025
Format changed
Jersey changed
Opposition changed
But what remains the same is Rohit Sharma’s consistency 🫡 pic.twitter.com/5N5dFxr485— Pallavi (@Pallavi_paul21) February 6, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s bad patch continues but I have faith in him, he is 1 good start away from regaining his form & I trust him to win Champions Trophy for us❤️ pic.twitter.com/eMSnxU0R8s
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) February 6, 2025
Another failure for Rohit Sharma what he will do in ct #RohitSharma
— Rahul Madan (@RMadan23674) February 6, 2025
Rohit Sharma selfless game continue in ODI also…😐#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/5647tD5Z38
— Dr Artistic Soul (@dr_artisticsoul) February 6, 2025
Wtf rohit sharma is doing there ,ge should instantly go and retired from all format of cricket 😭 #INDvsENGODI pic.twitter.com/2soC3vLc6C
— The Cricket Hall (@bhai_cric_he) February 6, 2025
— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) February 6, 2025
