NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma failed to make a significant impact in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which India lost 1–2. However, captain Shubman Gill came to the former skipper’s defence, stating that it is not always possible to convert good starts into big scores.
Rohit got off to promising starts in all three matches of the series, scoring 26 in Vadodara and 24 in Rajkot, before being dismissed for 11 in the series decider while chasing a daunting target of 338. However, the runs did not translate into substantial scores.
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Rohit was in sublime form in the preceding series against Australia and South Africa, where he amassed three half-centuries and a century, underlining his class at the top of the order.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gill backed Rohit by pointing to the form he has shown since the Australia series. The India captain, however, acknowledged that the experienced opener was unable to turn his solid starts into big scores during the ODI series against New Zealand.
“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,” Gill said.
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“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,” he added.
New Zealand created history by securing their maiden ODI series victory on Indian soil, ending a long wait that stretched back to 1988.
The landmark achievement came after a comprehensive win over the Men in Blue in the series decider at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday, marking their first success in eight attempts in India.
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