The mood inside the Indian dressing room must be difficult to read right now. Images from London showed head coach Gautam Gambhir sharing a laugh with Rohit Sharma on the Lord’s balcony on the eve of Sunday’s third ODI against England. Yet they could not mask the intense pressure the team’s oldest player must be under going into the series decider. The significance of the match extends far beyond another bilateral series. Its outcome could influence the team’s composition and planning over the next 15 months.The team management and selection committee have been ruthless in their decision-making over the past year, placing performance above a player’s stature and reputation. Yet uncertainty persists over how Rohit fits into India’s plans for the ODI World Cup in South Africa.Late on Friday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the 39year-old would “continue to represent India as long as he is in the scheme of things”. It is clear, however, that the selectors and management want to develop Yashasvi Jaiswal as an alternative opener. Another unconvincing outing on Sunday could dent Rohit’s hopes of playing in his fourth World Cup.After the England series, India’s next ODI is against West Indies in Trivandrum on Sept 27. Rohit has looked visibly uncomfortable against bounce and movement in England. Since stepping away from the other two formats, he has generally found form only late in a series, even at home.The official line within Indian cricket remains that there are few concerns about Rohit’s form. “It’s hard work with a new ball up front. We have seen that in the entire series. The ball is moving around. So batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out,” India’s fastbowling coach Morne Morkel said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
