Shubman Gill backs Rohit Sharma amid poor series against New Zealand

Indian captain Shubman Gill has backed the veteran opening batter Rohit Sharma, who had three dismal outings in the just-concluded three-match ODI series against New Zealand as India suffered a 1-2 loss.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony after the series loss, Gill made it clear that Rohit has been in terrific form since the Australia ODI series Down Under, adding that the veteran failed to convert his starts.

"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. 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," Gill said after losing the series.

In the third ODI, Sharma had a poor game with the willow, scoring only 11 runs off 13 balls with two fours, while chasing a daunting target of 338 runs. In three games against the visitors, the veteran opener managed to score only 61 runs at an average of 20.33.

In the third ODI, New Zealand was entrusted to bat first after losing the toss. Middle-order batters Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) were key as New Zealand posted 337/8 in 50 overs. In the chase, India managed to score 296 runs in 46 overs before getting bundled out. Virat Kohli (124), Nitish Reddy (53) and Harshit Rana (52) were the top batters for India, but they failed to take their side over the line.

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