'It is not possible to...': Shubman Gill defends Rohit Sharma after dismal batting display in NZ ODIs

India captain Shubman Gill came to Rohit Sharma's defence amid his lean patch in ODIs. This comes after the opener only managed to score a total of 61 runs in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Rohit's performance in the series didn't live up to his high standards and he also failed to deliver in the series-deciding third ODI. got dismissed for 11 runs from 13 deliveries as the Men in Blue failed to chase down the 338-run target and lost the series by 1-2.

Following the match, Gill showed support towards Rohit, highlighting his impressive performance in India's previous ODI assignments against Australia and South Africa. He also stated that it is impossible for an opener to convert the starts on every occasion in international cricket.

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“I think he’s been in terrific form, even right through from the Australia series and also in the South Africa series. As I said, you won’t always be able to convert the starts that you get. And I think he got some starts in the first couple of ODIs. As a batter, you always want to convert those starts, make them count and turn them into hundreds, but it’s not possible to do that every time,” Gill said during the post-match press conference.

Rohit's form in ODIs

Rohit had come into the series after memorable outings against both Australia and South Africa. He was adjudged as the Player of the Series in Australia after scoring 202 runs in three innings. The 38-year-old also performed well in the series against South Africa, scoring 146 runs including two half-centuries in three matches. However, the New Zealand assignment ended up being quite disappointing for the star batter.

Rohit's next international assignment

Rohit won't be in action for India in the coming months as they won't be playing an ODI series till July. With the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner, the Men in Blue will be facing New Zealand in a five-match T20I series next, starting from January 21. After the World Cup, India's next assignment will come in the form of a white-ball tour against England. This will include a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, beginning from July 1.