Rohit has struggled for rhythm in the ongoing England tour.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel on Saturday (July 18) firmly dismissed any concerns surrounding Rohit Sharma's batting form, emphasizing that the tricky, seam-friendly English conditions have made life difficult for top-order batters across both teams.
Rohit's form has come under heavy scrutiny in the ongoing England tour. In fact, his struggle for rhythm has fueled retirement rumours, especially with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings.
The 39-year-old managed only 11 runs in the series opener at Edgbaston and a laboured 26 runs off 47 balls during the second ODI in Cardiff. In his 8 ODI innings this year, he is averaging just 30.12 with a strike rate under 89.
However, Morkel downplayed Rohit’s struggles, praising the veteran opener for the invaluable experience and "calmness" he injects into the Indian batting lineup.
"It's is hard work with a new ball up front. We have seen that in the entire series. The ball is moving around. So batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out," Morkel told reporters on the eve of the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord's.
"He has done it in the past. He is experienced and he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things," he added.
Heading into the third ODI, India have other concerns too in the batting department. The middle-order could not capitalize on the foundation provided by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the second ODI, getting bundled out for a below par 233 as England won the match by four wickets.
Morkel advised the Indian batters to get used to the pace of the Lord's pitch before unleashing big shots.
"I think for them it is just to sum up the conditions, we have seen of late that it can be a tricky surface here at Lord's. So, maybe, to give yourself that extra 5-10 balls just to get used to the pace of the surface, is going to be important.
"But, if you look at our top-order, top middle-order, they have played a lot of cricket. They are very well aware of the conditions and how to form partnerships and that is going to be the key."
"As a team we always look to push that 10 per cent and look for ways to get better and we know in the 50-over game, it is about partnerships and if we can form that with bat and ball, it will be an exciting game for us," he remarked.
The former South African pacer also encouraged the Indian fast bowlers to find ways to break partnerships in the middle phase.
"To be honest, the way we bowled in the last game was exceptional. Just looking at the numbers, the high speeds that the boys are generating, the areas that we have bowled in were great to see. "We have gone with the thinking that we wanted to use Prasidh and Gurnoor Brar with that extra bounce in that middle phase."
"But it is crucial to get those wickets in the middle phase. So, we will keep on working on ways and trying to find how we can make those breakthroughs. I thought Joe (Root) played exceptionally well, classy innings (99 not out) there," he said.
However, Morkel does not want to confuse the bowlers with too much of tips. "It is a bit of a tricky one because one thing is you can share about past experiences about the (Lord's) slope. You can give a lot of ideas. But also you need to be mindful that it is a day out before a game. You don't want to add too many things for the bowlers to think about," he noted.
Despite speculation about him stepping down after the England ODI series, Morkel is actively planning for the long term with the Indian team. He intends to help India bowlers in the 2027 ODI World Cup to be held in his home country.
"Living in South Africa and playing 20 years of cricket there.. my experience counts for something. There are definitely conversations about the World Cup and planning that potentially we can take forward, once we reach there or getting closer to the World Cup time.
"But for sure, I have learned my trade in South Africa. I understand the surfaces. I understand that the wickets can play differently in certain times of the year. Yeah, definitely I will put that forward to the team and to the table," he remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)