India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly encouraged senior opener Rohit Sharma to continue playing with complete freedom, with the team management keen to ensure that the experienced batter remains relaxed and focused on his natural game, sources told India Today.
Rohit had a disappointing outing in the opening ODI against England, scoring 11 runs off 21 deliveries before being dismissed by Sam Curran. After getting off the mark with a trademark pull shot for four against Jofra Archer, the India opener miscued a Curran delivery straight to Harry Brook.
According to sources, Gambhir’s message to Rohit has been clear: having contributed immensely to Indian cricket over the years, he should continue to play without allowing speculation about his future to affect his mindset.
“Rohit has done a lot for this team and the country in white-ball cricket. The coach wants him to play the way he has throughout his career and express himself freely,” sources said.
“The way Rohit Sharma has been batting under pressure, it seems clear that he needs a bit of time and mental space rather than constant scrutiny,” the source added.
“Players of his calibre often perform at their best when they are free from external pressure and able to trust their natural instincts. Rather than overanalysing every innings, it is important to continue backing someone who has consistently delivered for India over the years. A relaxed and confident Rohit Sharma is capable of changing games on his own, and sometimes faith and patience are just as important as technical adjustments.”
Gambhir’s reported approach comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Rohit’s ODI future, with questions being raised about his place in India’s plans ahead of next year’s World Cup. Although Rohit captained India to the Champions Trophy title in 2025, he was replaced as ODI captain soon after, with Shubman Gill taking over the leadership role.
Some observers have questioned whether Rohit, who is now 39 and will be 41 by the time of the next ODI World Cup, can continue to meet the physical demands of batting in South African conditions. However, the former captain, who now plays only ODI cricket at the international level, has continued to work extensively on his fitness.
Since Gill assumed the captaincy, Rohit has scored 563 runs in 13 ODIs at an average of 46.91, including one century and four half-centuries. During the same period, Virat Kohli has amassed 896 runs in 17 matches at an average of 64, registering four centuries and five fifties.
WHY GAMBHIR HAS BACKED ROHIT
According to sources, the team management believes that giving Rohit complete mental freedom will enable him to perform at his best. Rather than focusing on long-term planning or retirement discussions, the emphasis remains on maximising the contribution of one of India’s finest white-ball batters.
Sources also stressed that the current approach has no connection with any discussions about Rohit’s future.
“Nobody knows what the future holds. The focus right now is on the present. The team management wants Rohit to have complete peace of mind so that he can give his best whenever he plays,” the source said.
Rohit remains one of the most accomplished ODI batters in cricket history. The 38-year-old has scored 11,731 runs in 286 One-Day Internationals at an average of 48.68, including 33 centuries and a world-record individual score of 264. He is also the only batter in men’s ODI cricket to have scored three double centuries.
Gambhir’s backing comes amid continuing debate over the future of India’s senior players. However, those close to the team maintain that the dressing room remains focused on immediate objectives rather than long-term speculation.
Rohit’s recent performances underline his continued importance to the side. Last month, he scored a fluent 79 off 69 balls against Afghanistan, while his aggressive approach at the top of the order continues to provide India with strong starts.
For the current team management, the priority is to shield Rohit from unnecessary external pressure and allow him to rely on the instincts that have defined his successful international career.
Following his modest score in the opening ODI, Rohit will be aiming to make a stronger impact when India face England in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16.
