Rohit Sharma’s struggles in the ODI series against New Zealand continued on Sunday as the India captain suffered another frustrating run at the top of the order. In a series that never quite got going despite flashes of fluency, Rohit followed up scores of 26 and 21 in the first two matches with a scrappy 11 in the series decider, opting out of the format without a half-century. before the five-month ODI break.
Rohit had a hesitant start but was immediately in the thick of things when New Zealand introduced debutant pacer Kristian Clarke in the fourth over. Clark’s first event was eventful in every sense. Rohit edged one behind as he tried to guide the ball past point, but keeper Mitchell Hay spilled a small chance by diving to his right. However, the relief did not last long.
IND vs NZ, Indore ODI Update
Moments later, Rohit unfurled a beautiful cover drive that reminded everyone of his effortless class. Just when it looked like he might settle, he attempted a check-flick – perhaps fooled by the lack of pace off the pitch – and ended up taking a simple catch at mid-off. The dismissal summed up his streak: promising starts, followed by early exits.
Rohit returned with India at 28 for 1 from four overs, again failing to convert his start into anything of substance. With an extended break from ODIs coming up, the former India captain will be hoping to use the time to reset and rediscover the consistency that defined much of his illustrious career.
ROHIT WAS LEAVING FRUSTRATED
The start to the innings from Rohit was positive as he started with a beautiful cover shot from Kyle Jamieson. However, once the pacer pulled the string back and stopped offering width, the former Indian skipper began to struggle and find his rhythm.
From the three matches he played, Rohit had just 61 runs at an average of 20.33 and a strike rate of 76.25. This was a serious drop from his last international outing against South Africa, when he scored 146 runs in three matches at an average of 48.66 and a strike rate of 110.60.
IS ROHIT LEAVING?
Fans on social media are wondering if this was the last time Rohit donned the Indian jersey. With the former captain now only a one-format player, there are questions about Rohit’s fitness and hunger to stay in the game till the 2027 ODI World Cup.
As of now, India’s next ODI assignment will be in July during the England tour, when Rohit and Virat Kohli are likely to return to Indian colors next.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 18, 2026