India's cricket captain Shubman Gill has stepped up to defend veteran opener Rohit Sharma after a disappointing series against New Zealand. Rohit managed just 61 runs across three innings as India fell 2-1 in the ODI contest.
Rohit's Struggles in the Series
Rohit Sharma entered the New Zealand series as the world's top-ranked ODI batsman. He carried strong form from successful tours in Australia and South Africa late last year. However, the opener failed to convert promising starts into substantial scores throughout the three matches.
In the first two ODIs, Rohit scored 26 and 24 runs respectively. He fell to mistimed strokes on both occasions. The third match proved even more challenging. India faced a daunting target of 338 runs at Indore's Holkar Stadium. Rohit departed for just 11 runs as India's top order collapsed dramatically.
The team ultimately finished 41 runs short at 296, surrendering the series to the Black Caps. This performance raised immediate questions about Rohit's current form and future in the ODI format.
Coach's Comments Spark Controversy
India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate added fuel to the discussion after the second ODI loss in Rajkot. He suggested Rohit might be lacking sufficient match practice leading into the series.
"He's definitely not the sort of guy to play for himself," ten Doeschate stated. "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."
These remarks created additional scrutiny around the senior batsman's preparation and performance levels.
Captain Gill's Strong Defense
When questioned about Rohit's immediate form despite his stellar 2025 season, skipper Shubman Gill offered unwavering support for his predecessor.
"I think he's been in terrific form, even right through from the Australia series, even in the South Africa series," Gill asserted during the post-match press conference. "As I said, you won't always be able to convert the starts that you get. And I think he got some starts in the first couple of ODIs."
The young captain emphasized the natural challenges of batting consistency. "As a batter, you always want to convert those starts and always want to make it count and make it into hundreds. But it's not possible to do it every time. That's something that you always strive to do."
Doull Questions Future Hunger
Former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull raised more pointed concerns following Rohit's dismissal in the series decider. He questioned whether the Mumbaikar still possessed the necessary hunger to continue until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
"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," Doull commented. "I just wonder, that 2027 World Cup in South Africa, is that too far away? Does he have that real hunger?"
Doull highlighted the continuous cycle of international cricket. "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."
These comments from a respected former international player added another layer to the ongoing discussion about Rohit Sharma's future in the one-day format.
Looking Ahead
The series against New Zealand has sparked significant debate about India's batting lineup and veteran players' roles. While Rohit Sharma faced criticism for his recent performances, his captain's strong backing demonstrates the team's internal support structure.
As India prepares for future challenges, the management of senior players and their transition plans will remain crucial topics. The team must balance immediate performance needs with long-term planning for major tournaments like the 2027 World Cup.
Shubman Gill's defense of Rohit Sharma shows leadership qualities beyond his years. It also highlights the respect Rohit commands within the dressing room despite temporary form slumps.
