Rohit Sharma's poor form raises questions ahead of ODI World Cup

Rohit Sharma's bat has gone quiet at a time when India needs its 'Hitman' to roar. The opener's string of low scores in the ongoing ODI series has sparked fresh concern over his place in the team, with the World Cup just months away.

In the Cardiff ODI, Rohit once again failed to convert a start. He struggled for timing, played and missed on multiple occasions, and eventually fell to a delivery he would normally dispatch to the boundary. His dismissal left fans and pundits asking a simple question: where's the hitman?

Struggle for rhythm at the worst time

Rohit's search for rhythm has come at the worst possible juncture. With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, India's batting order relies heavily on the experienced opener to provide explosive starts. Instead, the 38-year-old has looked tentative, his footwork hesitant, and his shot selection uncharacteristically poor.

In the Cardiff match, Rohit took 18 balls to score just 8 runs before being dismissed. The innings was a microcosm of his recent struggles — a long, laboured stay at the crease followed by a soft dismissal. His inability to rotate strike and find gaps has put extra pressure on the middle order.

Virat Kohli's contrasting fortunes

While Rohit floundered, Virat Kohli looked in control at the other end. The former captain scored a fluent half-century, finding gaps with ease and rotating strike effectively. Kohli's innings has reignited the debate over the contrasting fortunes of India's two senior batsmen.

Kohli's form has been a talking point for months, but his recent performances suggest he is gradually returning to his best. In contrast, Rohit's slump appears to be deepening. The numbers don't lie: in his last 10 ODI innings, Rohit averages under 25, with just one half-century.

Debate over Rohit's spot intensifies

The lack of rhythm has not gone unnoticed. Cricket experts and fans on social media have begun questioning whether Rohit should retain his place in the playing XI. Some have pointed to the emergence of younger openers like Shubman Gill, who has been in sparkling form, as a reason to consider a change.

Rohit's supporters, however, argue that he remains a match-winner on his day and that form is temporary. They point to his record in ICC tournaments — where he has often stepped up — as evidence that he should be given more time.

What the team management faces

The selectors and team management now face a difficult call. Dropping a player of Rohit's stature would be a bold move, especially with the World Cup so close. But persisting with an out-of-form opener could hurt the team's chances in the marquee event.

India's next ODI will be closely watched. All eyes will be on Rohit's batting — whether he can rediscover his touch or if the management will look for alternatives. The clock is ticking, and every innings counts.

What happens next: India play the next ODI in the series, and Rohit Sharma will likely get another chance to prove his worth. If he fails again, the calls for a change will only grow louder.