Shubman Gill Backs Rohit Sharma After India’s 2–1 ODI Series Loss to New Zealand
Shubman Gill backs Rohit Sharma despite his poor batting show as India lose the ODI series 2–1 to New Zealand in historic fashion.
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India captain Shubman Gill came out in strong support of senior opener Rohit Sharma despite the latter’s underwhelming performance in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which India lost 2–1.
New Zealand created history by registering their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil, sealing the series with a dominant victory in the third and final ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma endured a disappointing series with the bat, managing 61 runs across three innings at an average of 20.33, without scoring a half-century. In the series decider, while chasing a stiff target of 338, Sharma was dismissed for 11 off 13 balls, striking two boundaries.
Gill Defends Rohit’s Form
Addressing the media after the match, Gill said Rohit’s recent form should not be judged solely on the New Zealand series.
“I think Rohit Sharma has been in terrific form right from the Australia series and even during the South Africa tour. As a batsman, you always want to convert your starts into big scores, but it doesn’t happen every time. Rohit did get starts in this series as well, and conversion is something every batter strives for,” Gill said.
Match Summary
Asked to bat first, New Zealand national cricket team posted a formidable 337/8 in their 50 overs.
Daryl Mitchell continued his red-hot form, smashing 137 off 131 balls, registering his second consecutive century of the series. He was well supported by Glenn Phillips, who played a blistering knock of 106 from 88 deliveries.
Captain Michael Bracewell added finishing touches with an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls. For India, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana claimed three wickets each.
India’s Chase Falls Short
In reply, India were bowled out for 296 in 46 overs, losing the match by 41 runs. A valiant century by Virat Kohli went in vain as he scored 124 off 108 balls, anchoring the chase.
Kohli also shared a crucial 99-run partnership with Harshit Rana, who scored his maiden ODI fifty (52). Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed a fighting 53, but India failed to sustain momentum.
New Zealand bowlers Kristian Clarke (3/54) and Zakary Foulkes (3/77) led the bowling attack, while Jayden Lennoximpressed with figures of 2/42.
