Rohit Sharma Lucknow ODI: Cricketer Aims to Make a Strong Comeback

By Aditya Nagar | June 17, 2026

Rohit Sharma Lucknow ODI: Players with a point to prove often look restless. Rohit Sharma arrived in Dharamsala last Saturday after six weeks out with a hamstring injury.

He had cleared a demanding fitness test, and at 39, was aware that the team's patience wouldn't last indefinitely.

He scored 16 runs from 16 balls before a Mix-Up: Gill said no run, the bowler got in the way, but Rohit kept going, and Gurbaz’s throw made the run-out look simple. Rohit dived but was out.

Rohit Sharma Lucknow ODI: His innings ended not with a big shot or a poor choice, but with a miscommunication, which is always a tough way for an opener to go.

It initially seemed insignificant. India won by seven wickets with 13 balls to spare, and the match was just 25 overs, not the 50-over format Rohit is focused on.

Still, small moments can stay with you when you’re 39, your captain is 25, and the World Cup you’ve been working toward for two years is now less than 14 months away.

That’s why the match in Lucknow feels more important. It’s a full 50-over game on a slow, tricky Ekana pitch, where patience and skill are key for an opener. This is the kind of situation where Rohit usually performs well.

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Rohit Sharma Lucknow ODI: Bahutule Says Rohit's Leadership Rubs Off on Entire Team, Including Shubman

ODI series 2026: Bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule spoke to the media on Tuesday about how the team views Rohit. His comments were measured but warmer than usual for a press conference.

"Definitely an experienced player. Bahutule said that he is a champion cricketer and someone who adds immense value to the team, not only with his batting but also through his leadership qualities, which rub off on all the boys, including Shubman.

Rohit Sharma Comeback: Bahutule Says His Presence Is Crucial, Brings Same Hunger as a Newcomer

Rohit Sharma Lucknow ODI: Bahutule said that having him on the side is very important, as he understands each game and knows what is expected of him and from the team.

According to him, he approaches every match with enthusiasm, putting in as much effort as someone just starting out in the sport.

Rohit Sharma Dharamsala ODI: Becomes Oldest Indian ODI Player

Hungry like a debutant. Bahutule’s words fit well. Rohit just became the oldest Indian to play ODI cricket, breaking Mohinder Amarnath’s record by eight days in Dharamsala.

Rohit Sharma Hamstring Injury: He overcame a hamstring injury that kept him out of much of the Mumbai Indians’ IPL season. He passed a fitness test that was never guaranteed.

Then, in his first match back, he was run out. Most 39-year-olds would find it hard to stay calm in these circumstances.

But this is Rohit Sharma, who led India to a Champions Trophy win in 2025 and who, if anything, has become quieter and more focused on what he wants in this final stage of his career.

Rohit Sharma Return to ODI Cricket: Rohit Eyes Big Score in Lucknow to Strengthen World Cup Case

Rohit Sharma Lucknow ODI: It’s not as simple as saying Rohit must perform or be dropped. The selectors and team management have made it clear that no one is guaranteed a spot for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, and that players won't be picked just for their reputation.

Still, Rohit isn’t fighting for his place like someone on the edge of the team. He wants the selectors to see his spot as secure, not up for debate.

A big score in Lucknow won’t settle things for good, especially at his age, but it would make his case much stronger.

The first match gave India plenty to be happy about, but because it was so short, there wasn’t much to learn.

Gill's Unbeaten 84 Impresses, But Full 50-Over Test Awaits India's Batting Order

Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 84 from 66 balls was impressive, and the leadership looked confident. KL Rahul, batting at number five, finished with 39 from 19 balls.

Ishan Kishan, playing his first ODI since October 2023, made a lively 34 from 22 at the top. But India had to play in the T20 style.

A full 50-over match, especially in Lucknow’s June heat, will be a much bigger test for a batting order that hasn’t spent much time together in the middle.

Bahutule Hints at Kuldeep's Return, Says Too Few Changes Likely in Short Series

Bahutule didn’t give clear answers about possible changes to the team, which says a lot on its own. "Such a short series that we don't really feel there can be too many changes," he said.

He said that with only three games, one can't really arrive at a complete understanding of which batting positions can or cannot be tried, adding that they will just have to wait and see.

Even though Yashasvi Jaiswal has strong credentials, he will probably have to wait for another chance.

The most likely change is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav, who didn’t play in Dharamsala but could be a real threat on Lucknow’s slow pitch, which was tough for IPL batters this year.

He might be more useful than adding another fast bowler.

India vs Afghanistan ODI: Afghanistan Can't Bank on a Solo Gurbaz Act Again

Afghanistan faces a bigger challenge now. They need someone to support Gurbaz at the crease, not just follow his lead.

Gurbaz was outstanding in Dharamsala, scoring 102 from 51 balls, which was the fastest ODI century for Afghanistan and the second-fastest ever against India, but the team was still bowled out for 194. The other 10 batters combined for only 80 runs.

Rashid Khan and Allah Ghazanfar will test India’s middle order on a pitch that suits them, but Afghanistan can’t rely on just one player to carry the whole innings in a full 50-over game like Gurbaz did in a shortened match.

Ekana Stadium Lucknow: Low-Scoring Ekana Pitch Likely to Favour Team Batting Second

The Ekana pitch is very different from the flat surface in Dharamsala. The soil is a mix of red and black, which keeps the wicket tight, slows down the pace, and helps spinners in the middle overs.

The average first-innings score here in ODIs is about 213, much lower than what teams usually get on good batting tracks.

Teams chasing have won five of nine ODIs at this ground, which will affect the toss decision.

With temperatures reaching 40°C in the afternoon, batting will be easier in the evening, giving the chasing team an extra advantage. There is no threat of rain, so a full 50-over match is almost certain.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2027: Team Squads

Indian Cricket Team (Expected XIs)

Shubman Gill (C)
Rohit Sharma
Ishan Kishan (WK)
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul
Washington Sundar
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Harsh Dubey
Gurnoor Brar
Arshdeep Singh
Prasidh Krishna

Afghanistan Cricket Team (Expected XIs)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Ibrahim Zadran
Sediqullah Atal
Rahmat Shah
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
Azmatullah Omarzai
Ikram Alikhil (WK)
Rashid Khan
Mohammad Nabi
Allah Ghazanfar
Ziaur Rahman

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