Struggling Rohit needs to reinvent himself soon to lengthen his fading career

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The focus on Rohit Sharma is understandable as it is a natural consequence of his stature and the expectations from his bat is because he is one of the most celebrated players in modern cricket. It’s true that Rohit’s cricketing journey in Test cricket has been a mixed bag, but his evolution as a batter, particularly in the white-ball format, was nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to dominate the short ball and adapt his game to suit the red-ball challenges proved his determination to succeed beyond the white-ball dominance he is known for. However, the recent concerns over his form and reflexes raise genuine questions about his future at the highest level. How long he be able to hold on to his spot in the Indian team in Test and ODI formats remains to be seen.

Rohit’s tenure as Test captain may have been a “forced transition” after Virat Kohli’s exit, but he brought stability and experience when the team needed it most. The sudden appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach has perhaps disrupted the dynamics, as Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach demands peak performance from every player, leaving little room for leeway — even for someone as experienced as Rohit.

It’s clear that Rohit’s current struggles with the short ball and declining reflexes are affecting his confidence and performance, which is reflected in his dismissal across formats. While his domestic form (the way he got to a short ball against Jammiu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy game) might not inspire confidence, his record in ODIs keeps the hope alive for fans and selectors.

Rohit was not the only one to struggle on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy matches across the country. His teammates like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill too were dismissed without much ado.

Rohit’s legacy in white-ball cricket, particularly his unparalleled record of scoring double hundreds and five centuries in a single World Cup, ensures that he will always be remembered as one of the greatest ODI players.

At this stage of his career, with the Champions Trophy and possibly the 2027 World Cup in sight, which is absolutely far-fetched, Rohit needs to focus on rediscovering his clarity of mind and the simplicity in his batting approach. Visiting someone like Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni for advice could be invaluable — not just for technical insights but also for mental rejuvenation. Both have dealt with the pressures of carrying the team and reinventing themselves in the twilight of their careers.

Rohit’s slowing reflexes may limit his ability to play the game forcefully, but cricket has always been as much about mental strength as physical prowess. If he can let go of the clutter, play with freedom, and trust his instincts, there’s no reason why he can’t leave the game on a high note. Whether or not he can sustain himself in the various formats remains uncertain, but Rohit still has the potential to make meaningful contributions in ODIs — his strongest suit — and remind the cricketing world why he’s been a force to reckon with for over a decade. At least, he can have a couple of good IPL seasons, who knows?