Rohit Sharma Fails Again in England: Is Ex-India Captain Feeling Insecure? Coach Dinesh Lad Speaks

It continues to be a fruitless tour for Rohit Sharma as the veteran has failed to score big again, the second match of this England series.

Rohit came into the England series with a 79 off 69 against Afghanistan last month, but his form has dipped in foreign conditions. The India captain fell for 11 off 21 in the first match.

On Thursday (July 16), in the 2nd ODI between India and England, Rohit's long struggle came to an end. The veteran opened the batting for India and departed after scoring 26 runs off 47 deliveries. He batted at a strike rate of 55, with just a four and a six in his knock.

The 39-year-old, who revolutionized power hitting in the powerplays as India captain, seems a shadow of his own past. Rohit's flamboyance with the bat has evaporated, while the elite shot-making has become few and far between. But what is the reason for this sudden drop in intensity and aggression?

Is there something wrong with Rohit Sharma?

A player of Rohit Sharma's calibre always carries an extra edge of expectation. Fans have been used to seeing Rohit giving India breezy starts with the bat over the last few years, which means they always expect the same avatar of the Indian star in every innings that he plays.

Although it is impractical to think about that, Rohit has lost his edge, definitely. The veteran batter has failed to replicate the way he was demolishing the bowlers across all conditions and formats, and it has impacted massively. In this ongoing series, the reason can be multifaceted.

Rohit's last match was almost a month ago against Afghanistan, and before that he played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. So, lack of game time is not the issue. The veteran may have a mental block or insecurity regarding his place in the Indian side, which may have prompted him to play in a cautious fashion. The fictitious predictions of India's team dynamics can't be put aside as well, as it often plays a role in how a player approaches. And in England, the feeling is that Rohit is trying to keep his wicket at any cost.

Dinesh Lad denies Rohit's insecurity, But...

MyKhel contacted Rohit's childhood coach Dinesh Lad, on Thursday, who doesn't concur with the fact that Rohit is feeling insecure, but refrained from saying anything on the assurance of the veteran in the Indian team if he continues to perform low-key.

"I don't think Rohit is insecure, he would have retired had it been that. People have a lot of expectations and a lot of hype around him. But I feel he is hundred per cent eligible for World Cup," Lad said to MyKhel just after Rohit's dismissal.

When asked whether the Indian veteran can keep his place with this batting approach and lack of runs in coming matches, the respected coach from Mumbai refused to comment.