All eyes on Rohit Sharma in Rajkot as inconsistency clouds future, Kohli’s 2027 World Cup dream gathers pace

Ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma faces intense scrutiny due to inconsistent form, while Virat Kohli’s steady performances strengthen his path to the 2027 World Cup.

The stage is set for the second One Day International between India and New Zealand, with the spotlight firmly on Rohit Sharma. As the series moves to Rajkot, the match has become crucial for the Indian captain, whose recent inconsistency has triggered questions about his long-term future in international cricket.

While Virat Kohli continues to deliver consistent performances series after series, strengthening his ambition to play the 2027 World Cup, Rohit Sharma finds himself under pressure. Kohli’s form has kept him firmly in contention for future global tournaments, but Rohit’s fluctuating performances have made his position uncertain.

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Rohit’s struggle with inconsistency has been evident across formats and tournaments. During the Australia tour, he failed in the opening match but bounced back with strong performances in the final two games. In the South Africa series, he scored a half-century in the first match, managed only 14 runs in the second, and then returned to form with a solid knock in the third game.

In domestic cricket too, Rohit’s form has been mixed. He struck a commanding century against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare Trophy but was dismissed for a duck in the following match. This pattern continued in the ongoing New Zealand series, where he failed to convert a promising start in the first ODI.

In the opening match at Vadodara, Rohit looked confident from the start, opening his account with a boundary. He went on to hit three fours and two massive sixes, but despite the fluent beginning, he fell short of a big score and was dismissed for 26 runs, leaving fans disappointed.

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The second ODI is now being seen as a must-perform game for Rohit Sharma. With criticism mounting, he needs a strong innings to answer his critics and reassure the selection committee and team management of his capability. As a former world number one ODI batter, expectations remain high.

Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium could work in Rohit’s favour. The venue has been a happy hunting ground for him, where he has scored 188 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 62.66, including two half-centuries. The batting-friendly pitch further boosts his chances of delivering a big knock.

Despite missing out on a big score in the previous match, Rohit showed signs of solid touch. If he continues with the same intent, the second ODI presents a golden opportunity to score his 34th ODI century. Fans now wait eagerly to see whether the ‘Hitman’ can rise to the occasion and silence doubts with a commanding performance.

Sports Bureau

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