During India’s 1-2 loss to New Zealand last week, Rohit Sharma had a forgettable series, failing to convert his starts in each of his three appearances. After an incredible run in Australia and at home against South Africa late last year, Rohit entered the series as the top batter in the ODI format. However, due to mistimes strokes, Rohit scored 26 and 24 in the first two games.
At the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, India was chasing a formidable 338 against the Kiwis when soon-to-be 39-year-old Rohit fell on 11. India lost the series decider by 41 runs after suffering a top-order collapse and being rolled over 296.
Following the defeat to the BlackCaps in the second ODI in Rajkot, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate sparked controversy by claiming that the senior India opener had insufficient game time.
“He’s definitely not the sort of guy to play for himself. It’s just a combination of the wickets being slightly difficult and maybe just being a little bit short on cricket leading into the series,” ten Doeschate had said.
However, captain Shubman Gill defended Rohit when concerns were raised about the former captain’s current form despite his outstanding 2025 season.
“I think he’s been in terrific form, even right through from the Australia series, even in the South Africa series. As I said, you won’t always be able to convert the stars that you get. And I think he got some starts in the first couple of ODIs,” Gill said at the post-match press conference.
“As a batter, you always want to convert those stats and always want to make it count and make it into hundreds. But it’s not possible to do it every time. But at the same time, that’s something that you always strive to do,” he added.
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull questioned Rohit’s hunger to play in the ODI format till the next World Cup in 2027 after he was dismissed in the decider.
“I feel with Rohit, he’s always had something to chase, a goal in mind, whether it be a T20 World Cup or a 50-over World Cup. I just wonder, that 2027 World Cup in South Africa, is that too far away?
“Does he have that real hunger? Maybe it’s just different every year, isn’t it? Because we’re building up. We seem to be building up as national sides, no matter who you are. Each year, you’re building up to a different format of an ICC event, aren’t you?” questioned Doull.
