The decline of Rohit Sharma's batting prowess has become a pressing concern for India's ODI World Cup aspirations. Once hailed as the 'Hitman', Sharma's recent performances have been a far cry from his former glory. His struggles against England's pace attack in the recent series have raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. Sharma's form has been a concern for some time, with his body language and technique raising red flags. The once-confident batter now appears uncertain, struggling against both seamers and spin. Sharma's slow approach and indecisiveness at the crease have become a walking wicket for bowlers, a stark contrast to his former blitzing style. This transformation has been evident in his recent performances, with Sharma managing just 37 runs from two ODIs against England, including a 21-ball 11 and a 47-ball 26. His strike rate of 54.41 across the two innings speaks volumes about his current form. Sharma's struggles are not limited to the international arena; he has also faced challenges in the IPL, scoring just 283 runs from nine matches. This decline in form has implications for India's World Cup plans, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings. Sharma's lack of confidence and uncertainty about his technique could be a major factor at the World Cup, where seam bowling will play a significant role. As Sharma approaches his 40th birthday, the question arises: is he still the reliable run-machine he once was? The current form suggests otherwise, and if he doesn't improve, he may not be on the flight to South Africa. The Indian team management will need to carefully consider Sharma's role in the World Cup, especially with the likes of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in form. Sharma's decline is a stark reminder that even the greatest athletes are not immune to the ebb and flow of form. It remains to be seen if he can rediscover his 'Hitman' glory in time for the World Cup, but for now, his future in the team is uncertain.
