'It's the mind': Former India coach dissects Rohit Sharma's performance vs England amid retirement rumours

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'It's the mind': Former India coach dissects Rohit Sharma's performance vs England amid retirement rumours originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:​

• Abhishek Nayar says Rohit Sharma's dismissal was about mindset, not batting technique.
• Selectors reportedly told Rohit his future beyond the England tour is uncertain.
• Rohit is under pressure with scores of 11, 26 before Lord's decider.

Ex-India coach Abhishek Nayar breaks down Rohit Sharma's England struggles​

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar has weighed in on Rohit Sharma's underwhelming returns against England and identified his problem as a mental issue rather than a technical block, as the veteran opener heads into a series decider clouded by retirement talk.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the selection committee sat down with Rohit alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir last week to communicate their vision for the period ahead.

The panel is said to be leaning toward giving Yashasvi Jaiswal, a player who has been waiting patiently for consistent opportunities, an extended run. This shows that Rohit doesn't feature prominently in their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

A source within the BCCI added that selectors had been direct with Rohit about his uncertain future beyond this tour, despite his own eagerness to continue. Ultimately, though, the call on what happens next has reportedly been left in Rohit's own hands.

MORE: BCCI dismisses rumours of Rohit Sharma retirement at Lord's

The first two matches in England have been disappointing for Rohit. He fell for 26 off 47 deliveries in the second ODI at Cardiff, and Nayar believes that while Rohit looked somewhat scratchy, his overall tempo wasn't a major concern. What did stand out to Nayar, however, was Rohit's inability to convert a promising start into a substantial score.

"Conditions are important. You have to respect the conditions," he said on Star Sports' segment 'Game Plan'.

"In this game, the ball was seaming, doing a bit, so you expect Rohit Sharma to take time as he is not playing all formats. 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. But normally, when he gets to 26, he does make a 50 from there. So that is something he would be concerned about."

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Rohit Sharma's real issue is mental, not technical​

Looking ahead to the Lord's decider, where India will look to bounce back after their four-wicket defeat in Cardiff, Nayar stressed that Rohit's role at the top remains crucial.

He pointed out that Rohit rarely loses his wicket to off-spin bowling, which made this particular dismissal stand out, suggesting it stemmed from his feeling stuck rather than any genuine loss of skill.

"Rohit does not get out a lot against off-spinners," he said. "But he got out because it looked like he was sort of stuck for runs. So more than skill, it's the mind. But he is batting well, so I am not concerned."

MORE: Kaif cites Messi example to explain why India needs Kohli and Rohit Sharma at 2027 World Cup

The Bigger Picture: Confidence, not technique, will decide Rohit's fate​

Nayar's assessment cuts to the heart of what's really happening with Rohit right now. Technically, nothing appears fundamentally broken; his shot selection, footwork and timing all look largely intact according to those watching closely.

What's changed is the certainty behind each decision, and that hesitation is understandable given the noise surrounding his place in the side. Batting well enough to get starts but not converting them suggests a player second-guessing himself rather than one who has lost his ability.

If selectors have already indicated where they stand, ironically, that clarity might actually free Rohit up at Lord's, removing the burden of constantly proving a point. Pressure affects even the greats, and how Rohit responds mentally on Sunday will likely matter far more than any technical adjustment could.

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