Rohit Sharma endured a disappointing start to India's run chase against New Zealand after being dismissed for a duck in the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, on Wednesday (November 4).
The Indian opener departed without scoring after facing six deliveries, with New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson providing the breakthrough. Rohit was caught by Mitchell Santner, handing the hosts an early advantage in their defence of 185.
India were chasing a target of 186 after bowling New Zealand out for 185 in 40.2 overs. The Indian bowling attack delivered an impressive performance, with Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar picking up three wickets each.
Rohit's early dismissal put immediate pressure on India's top order, although Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli have been
tasked with stabilising the innings and keeping the chase on track.
IND vs NZ: Fans React to Rohit Sharma's Duck
It has been a mixed reaction on social media as a section of fans have criticized the veteran, while some have been more sympathetic towards him.
@BCCI Sir,why Rohit Sharma is included in the series against New Zealand,he always fails and unfit to play for India with this form.
- chandrasekhar (@Cmsekhar485) November 4, 2026
Rohit Sharma never fails to disappoint me 💔💔.
- Abhijeet (@King__Ro45) November 4, 2026
Rohit Sharma will score runs in 1 or 2 games , like he's been doing in every past series and will save his position!! I'm big fan of Rohit but he needs to go now !! N let Jaiswal get ready for WC in SA #rohit #rohitsharma #sharma #INDvsNZ #odi
- Pawan (@sainiboy420) November 4, 2026
Good ol days of Rohit Sharma getting out before you switch on your TV.
- The Cricket Pundits (@TCPofficial_X) November 4, 2026
There were enough praise for him on social media as well, after he pulled off a fantastic run out during India's bowling.
Rohit sharma Airlines ✈️ https://t.co/Uw7fuFZNke
- Harshit Bajpai (@ro_forever_) November 4, 2026
🔥💪 39-YEAR-OLD ROHIT SHARMA IS STILL FLYING ON THE FIELD! 🐐🇮🇳A STUNNING FIELDING EFFORT AND A BRILLIANT THROW FROM THE HITMAN TO RUN OUT DARYL MITCHELL! 😱🔥AGE IS JUST A NUMBER FOR ROHIT SHARMA! #INDvsNZ #RohitSharma https://t.co/HT43TfL244
- Wamiqa (@WamiqaRizzler) November 4, 2026
There have been a few sarcastic comments as well from fans.
Nobody has a heart like Rohit Sharma. What a great team player. He knows the target is small so he gets out for a duck to let Gill score more runs and stay in form while Kohli creates history.Respect for Rohit Sharma is increasing day by day 🫡
- Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) November 4, 2026
New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs after India produced an impressive bowling performance in the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three and Anshul Kamboj picked up two. Tim Seifert (38), Glenn Phillips (30) and Blair Tickner (34) were among the notable contributors for the hosts, with Tickner providing late resistance.
In reply, India lost Rohit Sharma for a duck in the opening over, but Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli steadied the innings. India reached 54/1 in 10.5 overs, needing another 132 runs to win, when rain interrupted play. Kohli and Gill were unbeaten at the crease at the time of the stoppage.
