London, July 18: Ahead of the third ODI match against England at Lord’s on Sunday, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed his support for Rohit Sharma. He is confident in the experienced opener’s ability to bounce back from his recent poor form, stating that there is no cause for concern regarding Rohit’s performance.
Rohit has struggled in the ongoing ODI series, scoring only 11 and 26 runs in the first two matches. He has managed just one half-century in his last eight ODI innings, leading to speculation about his future in the format.
However, Devjeet Sekhia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), dismissed reports on Friday suggesting that Sunday’s match could be Rohit’s last ODI. Sekhia reiterated that the seasoned opener remains a crucial part of India’s plans, and there has been no discussion regarding his retirement from this format.
Speaking to the media before the crucial match at Lord’s, Morkel acknowledged the challenging conditions in England that have posed difficulties for top-order batsmen. He expressed confidence that Rohit will regain his rhythm.
Morkel stated, “As I mentioned earlier, facing the new ball is tough. We have seen throughout the series that the ball is swinging. Therefore, batting at the start is not easy. There’s no doubt that Rohit will find a solution.”
The former South African fast bowler emphasized Rohit’s vast experience and calm demeanor, which make him an integral member of India’s batting lineup. Morkel added, “He has done it before. Rohit is experienced, and there is no concern regarding how he is playing.”
One of India’s finest ODI batsmen, Rohit has amassed over 11,700 runs in this format. He played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and also helped secure the Champions Trophy 2025 title. Currently, the three-match series against England is tied at 1-1, with both teams eager to clinch the final match and seize the series.
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