Fri Feb 07 01:21:29 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma’s Slump Continues: Early Dismissal Casts Shadow Over India’s ODI Series
**Nagpur, India:** Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s struggles continued Thursday in the first ODI against England, adding to the pressure mounting on the veteran batsman. Sharma was dismissed for a paltry two runs off seven balls, caught by Liam Livingstone after a leading edge off a Saqib Mahmood delivery. The subdued reaction from the home crowd highlighted the gravity of his ongoing poor form.
This early dismissal is part of a concerning pattern for Sharma, who has repeatedly been out playing similar shots. Recent dismissals against New Zealand and Australia saw him top-edging pull shots, mirroring his Nagpur dismissal and a similar incident during a Ranji Trophy match. Experts point to these dismissals as potential indicators of declining reflexes and movement, raising questions about his form ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Despite the captain’s early exit, India managed a four-wicket victory, thanks to strong performances from Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and debutant Harshit Rana. However, Sharma’s struggles remain a significant concern. While he maintains a positive outlook, stating his focus is on the future, the pressure is undeniably intensifying, particularly with his place in the upcoming Test series against England uncertain. The spotlight now shifts to the second ODI in Cuttack on Sunday, where Sharma will aim to regain his form.
First Piper 