India captain MS Dhoni is backing Rohit Sharma to rediscover his top batting form, saying the talented 24-year-old will regain his mojo if he’s given an extended run in the side.

Sharma has endured a disappointing summer in Australia, missing out on selection for the entire Test series despite posting scores of 56no, 47 and 37no in the lead-up games.

The right-hand batsman then made a duck in his only Twenty20 bat before returning scores of just 21 and 10 in the opening two one-dayers.

But Dhoni is adamant Sharma, who has notched 74 ODIs, will again prove his worth.

“It’s very important to give a long run to a batsman like him,” Dhoni said after India’s four-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

“We all talk about the type of talent he has got.

“He can easily prove himself at the top level.

“We need to back him.

“Hopefully in the next couple of games he can get going. That would be a big boost because he is someone who can field really well and also can bowl a bit of off-spin if needed.”

India (1-1) are back in action again on Sunday when they take on Australia in Adelaide.