Rohit Sharma, a name synonymous with elegant stroke play and match-winning performances, is currently facing a storm of criticism regarding his form and apparent lack of motivation. Once the linchpin of the Mumbai Indians and a dominant force in Indian cricket, questions are now being raised about whether the veteran batsman still possesses the burning desire to excel at the highest level.
The concerns surrounding Rohit's form aren't entirely new. While he has consistently delivered impactful innings throughout his career, his recent performances in the IPL 2025 have been inconsistent. After a dismal start to the season, including a duck against Chennai Super Kings, his scores have been patchy, with occasional half-centuries interspersed with low scores. While he managed to score 329 runs from 13 games with an average of 27.42, a closer look reveals that 199 of those runs came in just three innings. In the remaining ten innings, he has only contributed 130 runs, a cause of concern for the Mumbai Indians as they head into the crucial Eliminator match.
Adding fuel to the fire, former India cricketer Atul Wassan has publicly questioned Rohit's motivation, suggesting that he seems "disinterested." Wassan argued that Rohit, having achieved considerable success, including a T20 World Cup victory and Champions Trophy win, may be finding it difficult to maintain the same level of intensity and hunger. He stated, "He seems to be a bit disinterested; the motivation, the fire in the belly, has satiated." This sentiment echoes a broader concern about whether Rohit, at 38, still has the same drive to push himself and contribute consistently.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge Rohit's immense contribution to Indian cricket. With 49 international centuries across all formats, he has cemented his place as one of the greats of the modern era. He holds numerous records in ODIs, including the highest individual score of 264. He led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful captains in the league's history. Given his illustrious past, it's understandable that fans and experts alike hold him to a high standard.
Despite the criticisms, Rohit himself remains defiant. He has publicly addressed the concerns about his form, stating that he doesn't pay attention to unnecessary criticism and that it doesn't affect his batting. He has also emphasized his attacking approach, particularly against left-arm pacers, suggesting that he prefers to take the initiative rather than being defensive.
The coming matches are crucial for Rohit Sharma. As Mumbai Indians gear up for the Eliminator, his performance will be under intense scrutiny. A strong showing could silence the critics and reaffirm his status as a match-winner. However, continued inconsistency could raise further questions about his future and whether he can rediscover the "fire in the belly" that has defined his illustrious career. Only time will tell if Rohit can reignite that spark and prove that he still has what it takes to dominate at the highest level.
