On Wednesday, during the second IND vs AFG ODI in Lucknow, Rohit Sharma became the 4th most capped player from the country (510), surpassing legendary Rahul Dravid, who had featured in 509 matches. Perhaps that was the only joyous moment for the fans, as far as Rohit is concerned… because once again, the 39-year-old perished after getting a decent start. This time for 48 from 39, on the bowling of Rashid Khan.
- Most international matches played (Indians)
- 664 – Sachin Tendulkar
- 559 – Virat Kohli
- 538 – MS Dhoni
- 510 – Rohit Sharma*
- 509 – Rahul Dravid
Rohit Sharma misses out on 50 vs AFG
Actually, it wasn’t the batter’s fault, but the Afghani produced a gem, where a googly at length, just came in sharply — kept a bit low and crashed into the leg stump. But then, this innings marks 5th inning for Rohit Sharma without a fifty. In short, in 2026 — the former IND skipper is experiencing some difficulties in getting the big runs — and has only scored 125, at an average of 25, and an SR of 92.
- Rohit Sharma in last 5 ODI innings
- 48 from 39 vs Afghanistan (June 17, 2026)
- 16 from 16 vs Afghanistan (June 14, 2026)
- 11 from 13 vs New Zealand (Jan 18, 2026)
- 24 from 38 vs New Zealand (Jan 14, 2026)
- 26 from 29 vs New Zealand (Jan 11, 2026)
All this when the team is in the final stages of their preparation for the World Cup 2027, which is only a few months away. Not that he looks woefully out of form, but is just not being able to cross a certain barrier. In the last series vs NZ — in the opening match he scored 26 from 29 hitting two sixes and three fours. Then in Rajkot, another start came his way, where he got 24 from 38. In Indore he scored 11 from 13. And in the current series, in the 1st encounter in Dharamsala, he scored 16 from 16 before being run out.
What could be the possible reasons for Rohit’s mediocre scores?
Till the time he is on the crease, he is looking well. The ball is coming on to the bat quite well, his timing is still good too. But maybe it has something to do with confidence. He had a below par IPL 2026 as well where he only scored 283 in 9 games, and had injury issue too. On top of that, he plays just one format, and doesn’t get the best practice throughout the year; that could be a factor as well.
At 39, the reflexes aren’t the sharpest too, even though the fitness looks adequate. Nonetheless, the management and the fans would be hopeful that a big score comes Rohit Sharma’s way — in fact, in the very same Afghanistan series, where the last match will be played in Chennai on June 20.
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