Raina backs Rohit to regain form ahead of Champions Trophy
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina is confident that skipper Rohit Sharma will bounce back from his current slump, ahead of the Champions Trophy. He feels a return to form for Sharma could transform his leadership style. This comes after Sharma's dismal performance in the first ODI against England in Nagpur, where he was dismissed for just two runs off seven balls. Here's more.
Performance review
Rohit's recent struggles in international cricket
Sharma's form has been a worry since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he could only score 31 runs in five innings. This prompted him to step down from the final Test, which India lost, handing them a series defeat of 1-3. His woes continued in domestic cricket during Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, in his last 16 innings across all formats, Sharma has scored just 166 runs.
Comeback hopes
Raina's optimism about Rohit's comeback
Despite Sharma's early dismissal in the Nagpur ODI, India went on to beat England. After the match, Raina stated, "I think this wicket would have been a good one for Rohit Sharma's comeback." He is hopeful Sharma will find his form in the next ODI on February 9. "If he finds form before the Champions Trophy, then we'll see a different kind of captain and a different kind of approach from him," said Raina while speaking to Sports 18 post-match.
Team dynamics
Raina stresses on top order's form before Champions Trophy
Raina stressed on India's top three batsmen, including Virat Kohli, and stated, "That's why the question of whether Virat Kohli will be fit in time is crucial because having the top three play together in these two matches before the big tournament is very important." Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has confirmed that Kohli, who missed the Nagpur match due to a right knee injury, will be fit for the Cuttack ODI.
Leadership skills
Raina praises Rohit's aggressive captaincy and strike rate
Raina praised Sharma's aggressive captaincy and improved strike rate, stressing on the importance of key performances from spinners and proper team combinations for the upcoming tournament. He lauded Sharma's strategic use of his bowlers, especially his decision to bring in Mohammed Shami at crucial junctures. Raina believes a return to form for Sharma will positively impact his captaincy style.
Dismissal
Rohit Sharma dismissed cheaply in first ODI against England
Indian cricket team captain, Sharma, is going through a rough patch in his career. His form suffered another blow during the first ODI against England. Meanwhile, Rohit was dismissed after scoring a mere two runs off seven deliveries. Rohit was dismissed by Saqib Mahmood after he tried an early flick shot which only managed to connect with the toe-end of his bat. The ball soared high and was caught by Liam Livingstone at mid-on.