'Don't feel it's the right approach' - Md Kaif dissects Rohit Sharma's recent batting attitude amid retirement rumours

The rumours of Rohit Sharma's possible last match for India has set the internet abuzz. The development came in during the second ODI between India and England on Thursday, soon after Rohit's dismissal for 26 runs off 47 balls in Cardiff, based on an Indian Express report.

According to the report, the BCCI top brass is believed to have given the ultimatum to Rohit that the third India vs England ODI at Lord's could possibly his last in international cricket. However, the ball remains on Rohit's court as and when he wishes to formally announce his retirement.

Rohit has certainly struggled with his form in recent times. Ever since the India captaincy was taken away from him post the Men in Blue's triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign in 2025, the opening batter registered four half-centuries and and one hundred in 14 matches. In 2026 specifically, Rohit managed just one fifty-plus score in eight games.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif felt Rohit's recent struggles in ODIs might be a result of his different batting approach since October last year. Ever since his promotion as a opener in the Indian team, Rohit has always believed in taking on the opposition in the first 10 overs.

What's going on Rohit Sharma mind?

Unlike, that, Rohit has taken time in his recent outings, playing rather slower knocks, that what he used to do in his prime. “He is giving himself time. After he stepped down from ODI captaincy after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he scored a 121 not out off 125 balls during the Australian tour. He doesn't play like that,” Kaif observed during a conversation at Cricbuzz.

“Taking over the opposition in the first 10 overs has always been his style of play (or gameplan). Ever since he has left the India captaincy, Rohit has changed his batting approach in an attempt to be consistent,” added Kaif.

Known to be one of the best fielders of his generation and one of the heroes of India's famous NatWest Trophy win in 2002, Kaif tried to read Rohit's mindset. According to the 45-year-old, Rohit is trying to find consistency with the bat, since hi place in the side will now be judged on the basis of how many runs he is scoring, unlike during his captaincy days.

“In his mind, he might be thinking, ‘people are judging me now on how many runs I score. I am playing as a pure batter now and I need to focus on my score’. And because of that he has changed his game. In his last game against England, Rohit was batting at four runs off 15 balls, which is very unusual.

“He is trying to give himself time initially, not going for big shots early on. If you ask me, I don't feel its the right approach, because you haven't played like this in your entire life. Unlike Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, Rohit is more of a lofted shot player. So if he tries to play grounded shots, it will take time for him to adjust. He has to reinvent himself,” added Kaif.

Sitanshu Kotak backs Rohit Sharma

However, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed criticism of Rohit's form, insisting that the former India captain is neither under pressure nor enduring a slump despite his failure in the ODI series against England. Rohit, who now plays only the ODI format, managed a total of 37 runs off 68 balls in two games so far. The series is level at 1-1 with a game to go.

With Rohit's modest returns inevitably coming under scrutiny, Kotak threw his weight behind the skipper. "I don't think a player of Rohit's calibre will come under any kind of pressure. He's too good a player to feel that," said Kotak during the post-match press conference.

"Yes, he didn't make runs in the two matches but I don't think that makes any difference. Today also, it looked like he'll probably get a good inning out. But that's okay. So, I wouldn't use the word he was struggling but maybe the shots he normally plays on the up and all, which is because of the double bounce. Probably he felt it wasn't comfortable." added Kotak.