The contrasting fortunes of India’s two batting titans have become the central narrative of the current ODI series. On one hand, Virat Kohli is playing with a familiar, ruthless intensity, notching up consecutive fifties and reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the game’s greats. On the other, his captain, Rohit Sharma—the man known as the ‘Hitman’—is going through an uncharacteristically quiet patch, his scores failing to ignite the innings as fans have come to expect.
This dip in Rohit Sharma ODI form hasn’t gone unnoticed. In a social media age where every dot ball is dissected, questions about his place at the top of the order are starting to swirl. But the Indian team’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has rushed to his captain’s defense, offering a pragmatic and reassuring perspective that goes beyond the raw numbers .
Table of Contents
- The Kohli Surge: A Stark Contrast
- Rohit Sharma ODI Form Under the Microscope
- The Coach’s Defense: Ten Doeschate Explains
- Beyond the Excuses: Is There a Deeper Issue?
- The Road Ahead for the Hitman
- Sources
The Kohli Surge: A Stark Contrast
Virat Kohli’s return to form has been nothing short of spectacular. After a period of relative struggle in white-ball cricket, he has rediscovered his groove with a series of technically sound and mentally resilient innings. His ability to anchor the chase and rotate the strike has been a masterclass in ODI batting, providing a stable platform for the explosive middle order .
This resurgence has inevitably cast a long shadow over his opening partner and captain. When one legend is firing on all cylinders, the struggles of another become even more pronounced. The dynamic has created a fascinating subplot: the veteran leader finding his footing while his former deputy leads from the front.
Rohit Sharma ODI Form Under the Microscope
Rohit’s recent scores in the series—a string of modest single-digit and low double-digit contributions—stand in stark contrast to his legendary status as the highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup history. Fans who are used to seeing him launch breathtaking sixes down the ground are left wondering what’s holding him back .
His usual free-flowing strokeplay seems to have been replaced by a cautious, almost tentative approach. The confidence that once oozed from his every shot appears to be missing, leading to speculation about his mental state and his long-term future in the format, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
The Coach’s Defense: Ten Doeschate Explains
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has provided a clear and logical explanation for this dip. He attributes Sharma’s struggles primarily to two factors: the challenging pitch conditions and, crucially, a lack of recent competitive cricket .
“He’s just a bit short on cricket,” ten Doeschate stated plainly. This is a significant point. Unlike Kohli, who has been active in various formats, Rohit has had a relatively quiet lead-up to this series. Match practice is irreplaceable; it sharpens reflexes, builds rhythm, and instills confidence. Without it, even the greatest players can look out of sorts. The coach also emphasized Rohit’s unwavering team-first attitude, noting that his leadership and experience remain invaluable assets, regardless of his personal scorecard.
Beyond the Excuses: Is There a Deeper Issue?
While the coach’s explanation is valid, it’s natural for fans and pundits to look deeper. At 38, Rohit is in the twilight of his career. The physical demands of opening the batting in all three formats are immense. Could this be a sign of a gradual, natural decline?
It’s worth remembering that every great player has a cycle. The key question isn’t whether he’ll have a bad series, but how he responds to it. His overall ODI record remains phenomenal, with 10,709 runs at an average of 49.12 and 30 centuries—a testament to his enduring class . The current slump may simply be a blip in an otherwise stellar journey.
The Road Ahead for the Hitman
The immediate future holds several opportunities for Rohit to get back among the runs. The remainder of this ODI series, followed by upcoming bilateral contests, will be his proving ground. He needs to use these matches to rebuild his rhythm and silence the doubters.
For the team, the priority is to support their captain. A few solid starts from the openers can take the pressure off the middle order, creating a more balanced and formidable batting lineup. The management’s public backing is a crucial first step in that process. Ultimately, the faith in Rohit Sharma is built on a mountain of past achievements. As ten Doeschate’s comments suggest, they believe this is just a temporary phase, not the end of an era. For more on Team India’s strategy, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-batting-strategy] and [INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-comeback-story].