Rohit Sharma to quit team India before Champions Trophy 2025? India coach provides official update

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has backed the captain Rohit Sharma to be back amongst the runs in the ODI format. Kotak feels that Rohit Sharma has a lot of experience and his form in this format is not a concern for the team management

Rohit has endured poor batting form since the last few months, although, those were all in Test matches. He was expected to be at ease in the ODI format but was dismissed for just 2 off 7 balls in the first ODI against England.

With the Champions Trophy to be played after this series, there have been growing concerns over his form and future. He has been an incredible ODI cricketer over the years and India will hope their captain returns to form soon.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer or Yashasvi Jaiswal? Virat Kohli to replace this batter in playing XI for 2nd ODI vs England

Sitanshu Kotak backs Rohit Sharma

While speaking to the reporters ahead of the second ODI between India and England at Cuttack, Sitanshu Kotak brushed aside any issues with Rohit Sharma's batting form. Kotak reminded everyone of Rohit's performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka last year.

"I personally don't think there's any problem. The last 3 one-dayers Rohit has played, he has scored 58, 64 and 35.The guy has got 31 one-day hundreds. Sometimes whenever there's a little lean patch, I don't think I'd be worried or thinking about their form,” Kotak was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The series against Sri Lanka last year was the last ODI series India played before the ongoing one against England. Rohit was excellent throughout the three matches as he batted exceedingly well on pitches that offered substantial amount of turn.

While all the other Indian batters including Virat Kohli were struggling to get going, Rohit gave India flying starts at the top. He struck 157 runs in 3 ODIs at an average of 52.33 and a strike rate of 141.44, emerging as the highest run-getter of the series.

Sitanshu Kotak "not concerned" on Rohit Sharma's ODI form

While Sitanshu Kotak is not worried about Rohit Sharma's form in ODIs, he admitted that the Indian captain found it tough to get going in the Test series in Australia. He believes that Rohit has always been scoring runs heavily in the 50-over format and will continue to do so.

"Yes, in Tests in Australia, it was a tough time. About one-dayers, he's always been scoring runs so not concerned,” Kotak added.

Rohit Sharma had a tough time in the home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand last year when he scored 133 runs in five Tests at an average of 13.30. In the following Test series in Australia, he scored just 31 runs across three Tests at an average of 6.20.

India looking to seal the series

India are already 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series with the second match set to be played in Cuttack on February 9. The Men in Blue produced a dominating performance in the first match despite being tested at times.

However, India showcased their expertise in these conditions and were able to win the match easily in the end. Ravindra Jadeja and Harshit Rana shone with the ball by taking three wickets each.

In the batting department, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer produced excellent knocks to take India to a comfortable win. Rohit Sharma and his men will be aiming to seal the series with a win at Cuttack.