‘If he finds form before Champions Trophy…’ - Suresh Raina believes Rohit Sharma will discover his form ahead of second ODI on Sunday

Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed skipper Rohit Sharma to find his form ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament. The 37-year-old failed to score yet again during the first match of the three-game ODI series against England on Thursday. 

Cuttack is set to host the second ODI on Sunday and the focus will be on Rohit to get back to his best with the bat. Raina during his chat with Sports 18 said “I think this wicket would have been a good one for Rohit Sharma’s comeback had he applied himself a bit more”

The former India star also added “Now, the team will move to Cuttack, where he could also perform well. If he finds form before the Champions Trophy, then we’ll see a different kind of captain and a different kind of approach from him,"

Former skipper Virat Kohli had missed the first game owing to a knee injury. Raina said that Kohli’s return was crucial for India with key matches ahead. The 38-year-old said “That’s why the question of whether Virat Kohli will be fit in time is crucial because having the top three play together in these two matches before the big tournament is very important”

Sanjay Manjrekar shows concerns over Rohit’s form

Yet another former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has waded into the debate regarding Rohit Sharma’s form. The 59-year-old said during his chat with ESPNCRICINFO “He'll be disappointed with the way he got out. Clearly, there is pressure and if in 50-over cricket he struggles to get runs or get a big score, then you have a problem”

Manjrekar also said “Because I maintain that this is the best format for any batter, if you are batting in the top three, to get runs and come back into form. And if we don't get to see the best of Rohit Sharma in this three-match series and the Champions Trophy, then there is a problem."