Shubman Gill delivers ruthless verdict on Rohit Sharma after NZ ODIs horror show
Published - 19 Jan 2026, 10:33 AM | Updated - 19 Jan 2026, 11:34 PM
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The recent three-match ODI series against New Zealand turned into a tough and disappointing one for Rohit Sharma, who is usually seen as India’s biggest strength at the top. India lost the ODI series 2-1 to New Zealand, and Rohit Sharma’s form has once again come under scrutiny.
Coming into the New Zealand series, everything looked perfect for the former Indian captain. He was the No. 1-ranked ODI batter and was enjoying a dream run after scoring heavily in Australia and then at home against South Africa. Expectations were sky-high, but the results were disappointing.
Rohit Sharma’s struggles at the top cost India ODI series
In the first ODI, Rohit got a start but could not convert, as he was dismissed for 26 to a mistimed shot. Again, the senior opener looked comfortable in the second ODI but threw his wicket away after making 24. India needed him to lead from the front in the series decider in Indore, but yet again, he was the biggest blow.
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The Men in Blue were chasing a huge target of 338 at the Holkar Stadium. With the pressure on, Rohit fell early for just 11, and that triggered a top-order collapse. Wickets kept falling, and India was eventually bowled out for 296, losing the match by 41 runs and handing New Zealand the series.
Rohit’s scores across the three matches were 26, 24, and 11. Because of this, questions around his form were expected, especially with India losing the series. At nearly 39 years old, every low run gets noticed, no matter how strong the past record is.
Shubman Gill backs Rohit Sharma despite a lean ODI series
However, the Indian captain, Shubman Gill, stood firmly by Rohit and made it clear that a few low scores do not diminish his great performances against Australia and South Africa. He pointed out that Rohit was still getting starts and that converting every inning into a big score is not always possible.
Shubman Gill said at the post-match press conference, “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.”
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The Indian captain added, “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.”
Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup future under spotlight
During the Indore decider, former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull questioned whether Rohit Sharma still had the hunger and energy to play till the 2027 World Cup.
The focus quickly shifted from form to mindset. However, the former Indian coach Ravi Shastri said that everything depends on Rohit’s desire. If the hunger is strong, Shastri said Rohit can still feature in the 2027 World Cup.
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