The last match of the ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand is being played on Sunday, November 15 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The performance of India's top-5 batsmen in this series has not been as per expectations so far. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have been seen struggling to play big innings. In such a situation, it is natural for the fans to be worried about the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027.
After this series, the Indian team also has to play in South Africa. Fast bowlers get good bounce and speed on the pitches there. In such a situation, there will be a new challenge before the Indian batsmen. The special thing is that the record of these five batsmen so far in South Africa has not been the same. It has been difficult for some to score runs there, while the performance of others has been excellent.
Performance of all five batsmen against New Zealand
India has won two of the four matches played before the fifth match of the series. The third match could not be completed due to rain, while in the fourth ODI, New Zealand defeated India by 244 runs. During this period, the statistics of Indian batsmen have been worrying.
| batsman | Run | batting average |
| Rohit Sharma | 30 | 7.50 |
| Shubhman Gill | 37 | 18.50 |
| Virat Kohli | 86 | 21.50 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 67 | 16.75 |
| K L Rahul | 29 | – |
Note: Keep in mind that Shubhman Gill and KL Rahul have played only 2 matches.
Also read: Test debut at 17, then where did Laxman Sivaramakrishnan get lost at the age of 21?
How has been the performance in South Africa
Rohit Sharma: Average of 19.69 in South Africa
Rohit's ODI record in South Africa too has not been good. He has scored 256 runs in 13 innings there. His average is 19.69. His biggest score there is 115 runs. Rohit initially faced problems on the fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa. Due to the swing and bounce of the ball, it has been a challenge for him to survive in the initial overs.
Shubman Gill: Average in South Africa also 25.75
Gill has scored 103 runs in 4 ODI matches against South Africa. His average is 25.75. His highest score has been 49 runs. However, it is worth noting that Gill has not played a single ODI match in South Africa. It is clear from this that Gill will have to prove himself in the conditions of South Africa. They will have to play carefully against the bounce and outgoing balls of the fast bowlers.
Virat Kohli: Strongest record in South Africa
Kohli's record in South Africa is excellent. He has played 20 ODI matches there. In these, 993 runs have been scored in 18 innings. His average is 76.38. During this period he has scored three centuries and six half-centuries. He has been one of India's most reliable batsmen in South Africa. In such a situation, the team will expect big innings from him in future also.
Shreyas Iyer: Average of only 25 in South Africa
Iyer has played 6 innings in South Africa. Where he has scored only 154 runs at an average of 25.66. There, the short ball and bounce of the fast bowlers can become a challenge for them. Even against New Zealand, the fast bowlers have troubled them with short balls. In such a situation, he will have to work on his technique and shot selection.
KL Rahul: Average 30 in South Africa
Rahul's ODI average in South Africa is 30.60. Rahu has scored only 153 runs in 5 innings in South Africa. Rahul gives stability to the team in the middle order. In such a situation, he will be expected to handle the innings in difficult situations and make a big partnership for the team.
Batsmen will have to improve their performance before the 2027 World Cup.
The 2027 ODI World Cup is to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. In such a situation, Indian batsmen will have to prepare for the conditions in South Africa from now on. The performance of the top order in the New Zealand series is a matter of concern for the team.
Rohit and Gill will have to give a good start in the opening. Big innings will be expected from Kohli in the middle order. At the same time, Iyer and Rahul will also have to score runs according to their roles. It will not be easy to deal with the pace and bounce of the fast bowlers in South Africa. Therefore, the upcoming matches are going to be very important for these five batsmen of the team.