Should Rohit Sharma Be 'Concerned' Ahead Of 3rd ODI?: 'When He Gets To 26, He...'

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has said that the only thing that should bother Rohit Sharma ahead of the third and final ODI against England is his conversion, adding that with the ball doing its bit, one would expect him to take some time since he isn’t playing all formats.

All eyes of the cricketing world will be trained on Rohit when the India white-ball great takes the field for the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s.

Amidst mounting speculation over his international future, BCCI has maintained that this will not be Rohit’s final game for India. But the former skipper has plenty to prove after enduring a lean run in the opening two games.

“Conditions are important. You have to respect the conditions. In this game,

the ball was seaming, doing a bit, so you expect Rohit Sharma to take time as he isn’t playing all formats,” Nayar said while speaking on Star Sports.

“He also understands and will reflect. After a point, after Sam Curran’s over, it looked like he was under pressure. Other than that, I felt the tempo was fine. I am not so worried about the strike rate,” Nayar said.

“But normally, when he gets to 26, he does make a 50 from there. So that’s something he would be concerned about,” Nayar added.

Heading into the third ODI, India will be eager to rebound from their four-wicket loss in Cardiff, with Rohit expected to play a pivotal role at the top of the order. Nayar backed the former skipper, saying that he was batting well and only needed to get his mindset right.

“Rohit doesn’t get out a lot against off-spinners. But he got out because it looked like he was sort of stuck for runs. So more than skill, it is the mind. But he is batting well, so I am not concerned,” Nayar said.