Rohit Sharma's England struggles: Former coach reveals mental block

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has pinpointed Rohit Sharma's mental state as the root cause of his recent struggles against England. The veteran opener, who scored just 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs, is under pressure ahead of the series decider at Lord's on July 18, 2026, amid speculation about his future.

What went wrong for Rohit Sharma?

Nayar analyzed Rohit's dismissal in the second ODI at Cardiff, where he fell for 26 off 47 balls. While the former coach noted that Rohit's tempo wasn't a major concern, he highlighted the opener's inability to convert starts into substantial scores. 'Normally, when he gets to 26, he does make a 50 from there,' Nayar said on Star Sports' *Game Plan*.

Why is Rohit Sharma's future uncertain?

According to *The Indian Express*, the BCCI selection committee, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir, informed Rohit that his future beyond the England tour is uncertain. The panel is reportedly leaning towards giving Yashasvi Jaiswal an extended run, signaling that Rohit may not feature prominently in their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

What does this mean for Rohit Sharma's career?

Nayar emphasized that Rohit's issue is mental, not technical. He pointed out that Rohit rarely gets out to off-spin bowling, but his dismissal in Cardiff suggested he was 'stuck for runs.' The former coach remains optimistic, stating, 'He is batting well, so I am not concerned.'

What's next for Rohit Sharma?

The series decider at Lord's on July 18, 2026, will be crucial for Rohit. With his future in doubt, the veteran opener will look to silence his critics and prove he still has what it takes to lead India's batting lineup.