The recent three-match ODI series against New Zealand was tough and disappointing for Rohit Sharma, who is generally seen as India’s biggest strength at the top. India lost the ODI series to New Zealand 2-1 and Rohit Sharma’s form has once again come under scrutiny.
Coming into the New Zealand series, everything seemed to be going right for the former Indian captain. He was the No. 1 ranked ODI batsman and was enjoying a stellar run of form after scoring heavily in Australia and then again against South Africa at home. Expectations were sky-high, but the results were disappointing.
India suffered the biggest loss in the ODI series due to Rohit Sharma’s struggle.
In the first ODI, Rohit got the start but could not convert it as he was out for 26 due to a wrong shot. Again, the senior opener looked comfortable in the second ODI but lost his wicket after scoring 24 runs. India needed to lead from the front in the series decider in Indore, but even then, that was the biggest blow.
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The Men in Blue were chasing a mammoth target of 338 runs at the Holkar Stadium. Due to pressure, Rohit was out early for only 11 runs and this led to the collapse of the top order. Wickets kept falling and India were eventually bowled out for 296, losing the match by 41 runs and handing the series to New Zealand.
Rohit’s scores in all three matches were 26, 24 and 11. Because of this, his form was expected to be questioned, especially after India lost the series. At the age of almost 39, every low run is noted, no matter how strong the previous record.
Shubman Gill supports Rohit Sharma despite weak performance in ODI series
However, Indian captain Shubman Gill firmly stood by Rohit and made it clear that a few low scores will not take away his stellar performances against Australia and South Africa. He pointed out that Rohit is still getting off to a good start and it is not always possible to convert every innings into a big score.
“I think he has been in great form, even in the Australia series, even in the South Africa series. Like I said, you’re not always going to be able to replace the stars you get. And I think he’s got some starts in the first few ODIs,” Shubman Gill said in the post-match press conference.
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The Indian captain said, “As a batsman, you always want to change those figures and always want to make it count and make it into hundreds. But it is not possible to do that every time. But at the same time, it is something that you always try to do.”
Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup future in focus
During the Indore decider, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull questioned whether Rohit Sharma still has the hunger and energy to play till the 2027 World Cup.
The focus increasingly shifted from form to mentality. However, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri said that everything depends on Rohit’s wishes. Shastri said that Rohit can still play in the 2027 World Cup if the hunger is strong.