Legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev has expressed serious concern over Rohit Sharma’s prolonged poor form, calling it a major issue for Team India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian skipper’s struggles with the bat have continued for several months, and his latest failure—scoring just 2 runs off 7 balls in the first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6—has further intensified scrutiny. Rohit’s inability to contribute significantly with the bat has become a persistent issue, raising alarms among cricket experts, former players, and fans alike.
Rohit’s recent numbers paint a concerning picture, as he has failed to reach even 20 runs in any of his last nine innings. His dismal scores—0, 8, 18, 11, 3, 6, 10, 3, 9, and 2—indicate a worrying lack of rhythm and consistency at the crease. Given that he is the captain, his struggles are affecting the overall balance and confidence of the Indian team. Kapil Dev, in a discussion on the Cricket Adda YouTube channel, emphasized that a captain’s form is crucial to a team’s stability. He stated, “He (Rohit) is a big player. I hope he returns to form quickly. I will say good luck to the coach. It takes time to settle in. The whole country is looking forward to the side's performance. In recent times, the side played well for some time. The team looks unsettled. When the captain’s form is poor, the team has problems.”
The statistics further highlight Rohit’s concerning slump, as he managed only 164 runs in eight matches during India’s long Test season, averaging an abysmal 10.93 with just one half-century. His lack of runs in red-ball cricket has already put his place in the Test team under scrutiny, and his struggles in the shorter format have only added to the pressure. Rohit’s leadership also came under the scanner following India’s back-to-back Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia. These losses have raised questions about his ability to inspire the team, particularly as India prepares for major upcoming tournaments.
Ahead of the first ODI against England, Rohit was asked about his prolonged lean patch, and he did not take the question well. He snapped back at the journalist, saying, “What kind of question is that?”—a clear sign of his frustration with the ongoing discussions about his form. This incident further underscored the growing pressure on the Indian skipper, who is struggling to justify his position both as a batsman and as a leader.
Despite his current struggles, Rohit played a pivotal role in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, where his aggressive starts at the top of the order provided the team with much-needed momentum. His fearless approach helped India dominate the league stage of the tournament, and the team will need a similar version of him in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, with the marquee tournament still months away, India’s immediate concern will be Rohit’s performance in the ongoing ODI series against England.
The remaining two ODIs, scheduled for February 9 and 12, present a crucial opportunity for Rohit to regain his form and prove that he still has what it takes to lead from the front. A strong performance in these matches could silence his critics and boost his confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, if his struggles continue, the Indian team management may be forced to consider alternative strategies, including possibly re-evaluating his role in the team. As the cricketing world watches closely, Rohit Sharma now faces one of the biggest challenges of his career—a battle not just with the opposition, but also with his own form and confidence.
