Rohit Sharma’s Form and Fitness Raise Concerns
There has been a lot of discussion about Rohit Sharma’s fitness, but many are now starting to worry more about his current form. While the former Indian captain appeared relaxed with both the bat and in the field during the ODI match in Dharamshala, there were no clear signs of any fitness issues. However, this same sense of calm doesn’t seem to translate into his batting performance at the moment.
In Mohali, where India was preparing for the ODI series against Afghanistan, Rohit looked far from his best. His performance in Dharamshala didn’t make a significant impact either. During the innings, Azmatullah Omarzai, who isn’t known for his fast bowling, managed to hit him on the wrist. As the second ODI against Afghanistan approached, concerns over Rohit’s preparation remained unresolved.
India held a 90-minute training session at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium the day before the match. Rohit batted with Shubman Gill in the nets and also met with several bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav. The team tested him with a series of short-pitched balls from the tall pace bowlers Prasidh and Gurnoor, but he didn’t look fully set at times.
Leadership and Experience
India’s spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, tried to ease concerns about Rohit’s fitness. He emphasized that Rohit’s role is crucial for the team, especially with Virat Kohli not being part of the squad. Bahutule also highlighted that Rohit’s experience and leadership qualities continue to benefit players like Gill and the rest of the group.
Bahutule said to reporters: “Rohit Sharma is definitely an experienced player. He is a champion cricketer and someone who adds immense value to this team, not only with his batting but also through his leadership qualities, which rub off on all the boys, including Shubman. Having him in this side is very, very important. He understands each game and knows what is expected of him and from the team. He looks forward to every match, and the amount of work he puts in is as if he has just started playing.”
Conditions and Team Strategy
The conditions in Lucknow are expected to be hot and dry. Unlike Dharamshala, spin is likely to play a key role at the Ekana Stadium, where the pitch is forecast to be on a mixed-soil track. Bahutule did not rule out the possibility of Kuldeep Yadav replacing either Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh, but any changes to the playing XI seem unlikely, although still possible.
New Talent and Team Dynamics
Harsh Dubey made a strong impression on his ODI debut in Dharamshala. At the same time, Washington Sundar brings reliable bowling along with handy batting, making it less likely that the left-arm wrist-spinner will return to the side after missing the June 13 match.
Bahutule commented: “We still have to have a look at the pitch and then decide what our combination is going to be. Definitely different conditions compared to Dharamshala, much hotter, but still a decision has to be taken in terms of how we go ahead.”
