India coach shrugs off Rohit Sharma form woes amid speculation on ODI future: 'He brings that calmness'

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles, emphasising instead the crucial calmness and stability he brings to the batting lineup.

Rohit hasn't had a productive outing in the England ODI series so far, scoring 11 and 26 in the first two matches. Speculation arose about the Hitman's future in 50-over cricket on whether he would be a part of the Men in Blue's ODI setup in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The former captain would be in focus when India face England in the series-decider ODI match on Sunday at Lord's Cricket Ground.

'No doubt Rohit will work it out'

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morkel expressed confidence in Rohit, pointing out that he has handled such challenges before and brought a unique calmness to the team's batting line-up. He further emphasised that there is no concern about the Hitman's approach or ability to adapt.

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“It is hard work with a new ball up front. We have seen that in the entire series. The ball is moving around. So batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out.

“He has done it in the past. He is experienced, and he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things,” Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.

Morkel speaks on India's middle-order woes

Going into the series decider, India have other concerns too in the batting department.

The middle order could not exploit the launch pad given by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the second ODI, getting restricted to a below-par 233 as England won the match by four wickets.

Morkel said Indian batters should get used to the pace of the Lord’s pitch before unleashing their shots.

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“I think for them it is just to sum up the conditions, we have seen of late that it can be a tricky surface here at Lord’s. So, maybe, to give yourself that extra 5-10 balls just to get used to the pace of the surface, is going to be important.

“But if you look at our top-order, top middle-order, they have played a lot of cricket. They are very well aware of the conditions and how to form partnerships, and that is going to be the key.

“As a team, we always look to push that 10 per cent and look for ways to get better, and we know in the 50-over game, it is about partnerships and if we can form that with bat and ball, it will be an exciting game for us,” he detailed.

The 3rd ODI match between India and England will take place on Sunday, July 19, from 03:30 PM IST.

(With Agency Inputs)