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Xtra Time Web Desk: Rohit Sharma faced heavy trolling from fans after his struggles with the bat continued in the Nagpur ODI against England on Thursday, February 6. The Indian skipper, returning to the national side after a prolonged lean patch, managed just 2 runs off 7 balls before falling to Saqib Mahmood. His early dismissal put India under pressure, prompting many fans to question his place in the team and even call for his retirement.

This was Rohit's first appearance for India since his dismal outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he scored only 31 runs across five innings before dropping himself for the final Test. Following India's 1-3 series defeat, Rohit returned to domestic cricket but failed to make an impact for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy loss against Jammu and Kashmir.

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In the first ODI, England opted to bat after winning the toss and started aggressively, with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett putting India on the back foot. However, Rohit's tactical captaincy helped the hosts fight back, as they bowled England out for 248.

Opening alongside debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit appeared cautious in his approach, allowing the southpaw to dominate the strike early on. He got off the mark with an attempted aggressive stroke but failed to time it well, managing only two runs. Jaiswal fell to Jofra Archer in the fifth over, and in the next, Rohit attempted to flick Mahmood but mistimed his shot straight to Liam Livingstone.

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Disappointed fans took to social media, mocking the Indian captain’s extended slump. While some sarcastically remarked that his poor form had now transitioned into ODIs, others ruthlessly suggested it was time for him to retire.