Rohit Sharma had a quiet campaign with the bat in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which ended with a 2-1 win for the Michael Bracewell-led
side. This turned out to be the first time the Kiwis defeated India in an ODI series on Indian soil.
In the first ODI, the Mumbai batter managed 26 off 29 balls before getting out to Kyle Jamieson. Meanwhile, in the second ODI, Rohit managed just 24 runs after facing 38 deliveries. Big things were expected from him in the decisive third ODI, but the former India captain could only make 11 off 13 balls, this time getting dismissed by Zakary Foulkes.
Rohit finished the series with just 61 runs under his belt from three innings at an average of 20.33 and a strike rate of 76.25. After the insipid performance from the 38-year-old, captain Shubman Gill reminded everyone that he did well against Australia and South Africa last year. For the New Zealand series, Gill opined that Rohit got starts but couldn't convert them into substantial scores.
"I think Rohit Sharma is in terrific form, even right through from the Australia series, even in the South Africa series. I think, as I said, you won't always be able to convert the starts that you get. And I think Rohit got some starts in this New Zealand series as well. As a batsman, 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. But at the same time, that's something that you always strive to do," Gill said in the post-match press conference.
Coming to the third ODI, New Zealand posted a mammoth 337/8 after India won the toss and opted to field first. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips smashed exhilarating centuries during a 279-run partnership off 186 balls. In reply, Kohli hit a majestic 124 off 108 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana slammed maiden ODI half-centuries. However, it wasn't enough as the Men in Blue lost by 41 runs, getting bowled out for 296 in 46 overs.
