Rohit Sharma: Form slump threatens World Cup hopes for veteran star as the Indian opener managed just 37 runs in two ODIs against England. At Birmingham, he scored 11 off 21 balls, followed by 26 off 47 in Cardiff, with a strike rate of 54.41 and only two boundaries and one six. The 39-year-old former captain looked scratchy, facing 66.67% dot balls in the first match and nearly 60% in the second.
At Edgbaston, Rohit struggled against Jofra Archer’s pace, beaten on both edges and nearly bowled. Josh Tongue also troubled him with 140-plus kmph deliveries. In Cardiff, he missed a pull shot against Gus Atkinson and top-edged a sweep from Will Jacks to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, highlighting his lack of fluency. Even in nets, he faced sidearm specialists and struggled with timing.
Since the last ODI World Cup, Rohit remains India’s highest run-scorer but trails Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in form. In the 2026 IPL, he scored 283 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 157.22, but his recent ODIs show a worrying trend. Against Afghanistan, he scored 143 runs in three matches, but his slower movement against seamers and indecision raise concerns for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
By the time the tournament arrives, Rohit will be 40, joining older players like Chris Gayle and Imran Tahir. However, his current form, injuries, and poor body language suggest he should not be on that flight to South Africa. India must consider alternatives like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is waiting in the wings.