Shubman Gill recently offered a clear vote of confidence for Rohit Sharma, reminding everyone that form in cricket is rarely linear. Gill pointed out that Rohit has been in strong touch across recent series and that converting starts into big scores isn’t always possible. Despite this, questions around Rohit’s place in India’s ODI side have resurfaced following the New Zealand series.
However, a closer look at the numbers and context suggests that the debate may be premature.
Strong Returns Before the NZ Series
Rohit Sharma’s form leading into the New Zealand series was anything but concerning. In Australia, he was named Player of the Series, scoring 202 runs in three innings, including a commanding century and a fluent 73. Those performances played a key role in India’s success and were widely praised.
He carried that momentum into the South Africa series, where he registered two fifty-plus scores in three innings. While not spectacular, the returns were consistent and effective at the top of the order.
Rohit also impressed in domestic cricket, smashing 155 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, underlining that his timing and confidence were intact.
The New Zealand Series: A Dip, Not a Decline
The New Zealand series was undoubtedly disappointing for Rohit Sharma. He managed 61 runs across three innings, getting starts but failing to convert them into substantial scores. By his own standards, it was below par.
But judging a player of Rohit’s stature on the basis of one poor series ignores the larger body of work. Even elite batters go through short lean patches, and form fluctuations are part of the game.
Experience and Impact Still Matter
Concerns have also been raised about Rohit’s age, with the next ODI World Cup still some distance away. By then, Rohit will be over 40. However, history shows that experience and match-winning ability often outweigh age, especially in the ODI format.
Rohit Sharma remains one of India’s most proven big-game players. His ability to dominate bowling attacks, lead from the front, and set the tone at the top cannot be easily replaced.
Why Patience Makes Sense
With the next ODI assignment not until July, there is ample time before any major decisions need to be made. A strong IPL campaign could quickly shift the narrative, as it has many times before.
Dropping a legend after one indifferent series risks being a reactionary move. As Shubman Gill rightly highlighted, starts won’t always turn into hundreds, but form should be judged over a period, not a week.
For now, Rohit Sharma has earned the right to be backed, not doubted.
