Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma put concerns about his recent form to rest with a scintillating 119 off 90 balls in the second ODI against England in Cuttack. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, his performance was a timely reminder of his prowess in the 50-over format. This innings not only helped India clinch the three-match series but also alleviated fears about his ability to deliver on the big stage.
A Welcome Return to Form
Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Test cricket have been well documented. Over the last 12 months, he has averaged just 23.70 in the longest format, a figure that has dipped alarmingly to 10.93 since September 2024. His lean patch had raised concerns, especially with the Champions Trophy looming. However, despite his inconsistency in Tests, he remains one of the finest ODI players India has ever produced. Sunday’s innings was a testament to his ability to thrive in the format where he has long been a giant.
His seven-ball two in the first ODI had done little to allay doubts, but in Cuttack, he was back at his best. From the outset, Rohit exuded confidence, pacing his innings with precision and showcasing his trademark strokeplay. His knock, laced with boundaries and well-placed shots, exemplified his understanding of the format.
Breaking the Innings Down
After the game, Rohit spoke about his approach, emphasizing the importance of breaking his innings into smaller phases.
“I really broke it down into pieces about how I wanted to bat,” he said during the post-match presentation after collecting the Player-of-the-Match award. “It’s a 50-over format, a little longer than T20 cricket and a lot shorter than Test cricket. You still need to assess what you need to do at regular intervals, and that’s what I kept focusing on.”
Rohit acknowledged the nature of the pitch and adapted accordingly. “When you play on black soil, the ball tends to skid a bit, so it’s important to show the full face of the bat early on. Once I settled, I understood England’s plans – they were trying to bowl into our body, restricting room, and keeping it on the stumps. That’s when I devised my counter-strategy, accessing gaps and finding scoring opportunities.”
The Role of Partnerships
The foundation for India’s successful chase of 305 was built on Rohit’s 136-run opening stand with Shubman Gill in just under 17 overs. This aggressive start put England on the back foot and eased the pressure on the middle order.
“Gill provided excellent support at the start, allowing me to get into my rhythm. Later, Shreyas Iyer also played a crucial role in keeping the momentum going,” Rohit remarked.
This fluent partnership not only ensured that India remained in control throughout the chase but also highlighted the stability of India’s top order heading into the Champions Trophy.
Perfect Timing Before the Champions Trophy
With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, Rohit Sharma’s return to form comes at an ideal moment for India. His ability to construct big innings in ODIs remains intact, even as he struggles in Test cricket. Having retired from T20Is, this format now holds his complete focus, and performances like the one in Cuttack reinforce why he remains a vital cog in India’s ODI setup.
For India, winning the series with a game to spare is a boost, but Rohit’s return to form is perhaps the biggest takeaway. The team will hope that he carries this momentum into the Champions Trophy, where his experience and leadership will be crucial in India’s quest for silverware.
Looking Ahead
With one more ODI left in the series, India has the opportunity to fine-tune their preparations before heading into a high-stakes tournament. The focus will remain on consistency, especially for senior players like Rohit, whose performance can be the difference between success and failure on the grand stage.
As the cricketing world gears up for the Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma has sent a strong message to his critics. In ODIs, he remains as formidable as ever, and if he continues in this vein, India’s chances in the upcoming tournament look brighter than ever.