Rohit Sharma’s ODI return after 6 months lasts 16 balls as Shubman Gill seals the game for Team India

The pressure’s mounting. It’s clear in Rohit Sharma’s approach. From the moment he was removed as India’s ODI captain, Rohit has curbed his aggressive approach. From January 2023 until the Champions Trophy 2025, he had a strike rate of 117.23 in 50-over cricket. From October 2025 onwards, it’s 91.59.

The numbers prove it; Rohit isn’t certain about his position anymore. From ultra-aggressive to cautious. We are moving ahead in the game, yet the veteran opener has reverted back in time. Why? Well, because he isn’t secure. When Rohit was skipper, he showed the team the way.

He was ready to risk failure for the great good of the team. Now, Rohit doesn’t have the same liberty. At 39, he’s already the oldest Indian to play ODI cricket. Some believe it’s time to move on from him and blood Yashasvi Jaiswal in. After each innings, the scrutiny increases.

Most don’t question his performance or form but focus on his fitness. He missed 5 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has the same recurring hamstring issue. In a bid to improve his chances to make the ODI World Cup 2027, Rohit has cut weight. But the noise just doesn’t stop.

He played his first ODI match in 6 months against Afghanistan in Dharamshala. The result wasn’t that great for him. 16 off 16. Rohit didn’t look great. He was hit on the wrist in the first over and had trouble against the shorter balls earlier on. The opener got a few away before a miscommunication with Shubman Gill cost him his wicket via a run out.

Life won’t be any easier now. He looked scratchy in the nets during practice and wasn’t at his best during the game either.

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