New Delhi: India skipper Rohit Sharma’s lean phase with the bat continued even in ODIs as he was dismissed cheaply during their first ODI against England in Nagpur on Thursday.
Sharma was dismissed for only two runs from seven deliveries off Saqib Mahmood during India’s 249-run chase at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.
The opener tried to loft Mahmood over the 30-yard circle but miscued his shot as the ball ballooned to the hands of Livingstone in mid off.
Sharma’s latest failure would undoubtedly increase pressure on him as question marks has been been raised over his place in the side, leading to calls on retirement.
The top-order batter could score only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20 in the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, triggering a torrent of criticism as India lost the five-match series 1-3 nd failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
Future hangs in balance
Reports suggest that the BCCI has told Sharma to decide his future after the 50-over Champions Trophy, a format that he has most success over the years.
On the eve of the ODI series opener, Rohit had played down talks of retirement, saying his focus was only on the three-match series against England and then the Champions Trophy.
“How it is relevant that I talk about my future plans when there are three ODIs and a Champions Trophy. The reports (on my future) are going on for a number of years and I am not here to clarify those reports,” the 37-year-old had said.
“For me, the three games (against England) and the Champions Trophy is very important. My focus is on these games and I will see what happens thereafter.”
Asked is he would be more confident on return to the ODI fold, Sharma said: “This is a different format, different time. As cricketers, there will be ups and downs and I have faced those a lot in my career. This is nothing new to me. We know everyday is a fresh day, every series is a fresh series.”
“I am looking forward to the challenge, not looking at what has happened in the past. There is no reason for me to look behind too much. It’s important that I focus on what is coming up and what lies ahead for me. Look to try and start this series on a high.”
Rohit Sharma was dismissed for only two runs from seven deliveries off Saqib Mahmood during India’s 249-run chase at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
