India’s opening batsman Rohit Sharma He has found himself in the headlines after yet another failure with the bat Third and decisive ODI against New Zealand In Indore on Sunday. Rohit scored just 11 runs off 13 balls in a must-win match, extending his run of low scores that has reignited discussions about his form and motivation at this stage of his international career.
India’s 41-run defeat not only handed New Zealand a historic 2-1 series win but also intensified the scrutiny on the Indian captain, who is now exclusively active in the ODI format after retiring from T20I and Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s recent ODI statistics raise concerns
Although Rohit is one of India’s most skilled batsmen, his recent returns have been inconsistent. The experienced opening batsman was named Player of the Series during India’s ODI series against Australia last year, showcasing his ability to dominate in the 50-over format. However, that momentum has not carried over in recent works.
Against South Africa, Rohit scored 146 runs in three matches – a return that indicated a return to form without a strong performance. However, the New Zealand series proved more challenging. In three ODIs, Rohit could only manage 61 runs, and struggled to provide solid starts, given India has traditionally relied on him at the top of the order. His early dismissal in the decider in Indore once again left India chasing a high-pressure target.
Simon Doull questions Rohit’s “hunger” for 2027 ODI World Cup
Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull highlighted Rohit’s struggles during commentary on Star Sports Network, raising questions about whether the former Indian captain still has a clear target to take his performance forward.
Doull suggested that throughout his career, Rohit has succeeded while pursuing a concrete objective such as an upcoming ICC tournament. With the next 50-over World Cup to be held in South Africa in 2027, Doull wondered whether that milestone seemed too far away to provide immediate inspiration. He said that the modern international calendar constantly changes focus between formats, which can affect players who are active in only one format.
Doull also shed light on the scheduling realities facing Rohit. India is currently moving towards a t20 world cupODI cricket has taken a back seat, resulting in fewer opportunities for ODI specialists to find rhythm. 50-over cricket has been limited over the past four months and the calendar suggests similar variations in the coming months.
“I think with Rohit, he always has something to chase, like he has a target in mind, whether it’s a T20 World Cup, whether it’s a 50-over World Cup. I just wonder, 27 World Cups in South Africa, is that too far? Does he have that real hunger? Maybe it’s just, I mean, it’s different every year, right? Because we’re building. We’re building as national teams, No matter who you are, “ Dole said.
“Every year, you are creating a different format of the ICC event, right?”
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According to Doull, Rohit’s next appearance in India may not be until July during the UK tour, underscoring how less match time can affect consistency. When a player competes in only one format, extended breaks between series can disrupt momentum and make it difficult to rediscover form quickly.
“When you are playing only one format, you don’t get a huge amount of opportunities. When will the next time he be in the Indian uniform be in the UK in July? It’s a long way off.”
Despite the debate, Rohit’s importance in India’s ODI setup remains vital. His experience at the top and ability to perform in big matches is valued by the team management. However, with young batsmen pushing for expanded roles and competition intensifying, expectations remain high for consistent contributions.
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