India backs Rohit Sharma despite retirement speculation

London: India team management has thrown its weight ​behind struggling opener Rohit ​Sharma amid speculation back home that Sunday's third ​one-day international against England at Lord's could be his last.

The 39-year-old managed a laboured 26 off 47 balls on Thursday as England ‌won the ⁠second match ⁠in Cardiff to level the three-match series.

Also Read: Hitman at the crossroads: If this is the end, Rohit Sharma leaves as one of India's greatest


Rohit has now gone 11 ​ODIs without a hundred and his poor run of form raises ​questions about his place for next year's World Cup, which South Africa will host along with Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The Indian ​Express newspaper said the 39-year-old former ⁠India captain ‌has been informed that the selectors ​have decided ​to "move on".

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, however, said ⁠white-ball stalwart Rohit was "too good" a player to ​feel any pressure.

Also Read: Indian selectors unlikely to pick Rohit Sharma beyond Lord's ODI

"Yes, he didn't get runs, ​but I don't think that makes any difference," Kotak told reporters after Thursday's loss, dismissing suggestions that Rohit was struggling.

"On a particular day, many batters don't get the momentum they are looking for, and that can ‌happen. You might see a completely different innings from Rohit Sharma at Lord's."

"Rohit probably didn't get ​balls in ​his areas and ⁠didn't get going. That's what I felt. So I wouldn't say he was struggling."

Former India captain Rohit is the only ​batter to have scored three 200-plus scores in ODIs, including a 264 against Sri Lanka, which remains the highest score by a batter in this format.

Rohit has already quit test cricket and T20 Internationals.