Lucknow, June 16 -- Ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan, Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule hailed opener Rohit Sharma as a "champion cricketer", pointing out that the 39-year-old veteran is still putting in work like he started playing.

Team India will take on Afghanistan in the second ODI at Lucknow, with series 1-0 in favour of India. Rohit, after strong performances in Australia away ODIs and home ODIs against South Africa, tapered off against NZ at home with just 61 runs in three innings and best score of 25.

In the previous match against Afghans, he could score just a run-a-ball 16 before an unfortunate run-out cut short his stay.

A slight dip in his form, combined with his recent hamstring injury and modest IPL nu...