ENG vs IND 2026: ‘Pressure of keeping his place’ – Dodda Ganesh explains Rohit Sharma’s uncharacteristically slow knock

India opener Rohit Sharma suffered a second consecutive failure when he scored without a substantial total in the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He departed after scoring 26 off 47 balls, leaving the side vulnerable despite an encouraging start with Virat Kohli. Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh analyses Rohit’s innings.

Rohit’s dismissal came in an unusual manner as he was struggling to time the ball. He tried to sweep a delivery from Will Jacks but ended up gloving the ball into wicketkeeper Jos Buttler’s hands. Earlier, Rohit and Kohli had added 40 runs for the second wicket. While Kohli looked in sublime touch, Rohit, who struggled initially, started finding his rhythm. Ganesh suggested that the pressure of retaining his place in the team may have been on Rohit Sharma’s mind, forcing him to play a slower-than-usual innings.

“Rohit Sharma’s timid batting approach is baffling to say the least. It’s been ages since I’ve seen Rohit in such mindset in the ODIs. Probably the pressure of keeping his place is playing on his mind,” Ganesh posted on X.

Rohit’s struggles compound India’s top-order concerns

The opening batter’s lacklustre run across the series raises questions about his form in overseas conditions. In the first ODI at Edgbaston, Rohit made 11 off 21 balls before edging Sam Curran to Harry Brook. His innings ended before he could either accelerate or establish himself as the anchor of the chase. Back-to-back dismissals have put scrutiny on his role at the top of India’s batting order during a critical series where the side holds a 1-0 lead.

The right-handed batter has appeared to move away from the aggressive method that defined his batting during the 2023 World Cup which is becoming a big concern. The more measured approach has brought runs, but not always the kind of commanding innings that can put India ahead of the game in the powerplay. With the third ODI coming next, India will expect their veteran opener to deliver when it matters most.