We should be equally hard on Rohit Sharma, says Gautam Gambhir

Though India defeated Sri Lanka by a record margin of 317 runs in the third ODI at Thiruvananthapuram to sweep the series 3-0, captain Rohit Sharma’s inability to convert solid starts into big centuries was highlighted once again.

On a slow but placid pitch at Greenfield International Stadium, Kohli got off to a quick start and anchored the innings for the most part, finishing unbeaten on 166 not out off 110 balls, his tenth century against Sri Lanka.

Kohli hit 13 fours and eight sixes in his third century in the last four ODI innings, feasting on a hapless bowling attack. He also shared a 131-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who hit 14 fours and two sixes in his 116 off 97 balls to help India reach 390/5.

Despite playing shots that looked exquisite to the eye, Rohit, who shared a nice 95-run opening partnership with Gill, couldn’t get past 42 off 49 balls. It also meant that Rohit had not scored a century in the previous 50 international innings, the most recent of which was 127 against England in the second innings of the fourth Test at the Oval.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that people should be harsh on Rohit for not scoring centuries in the same way that Virat Kohli did during his slump a few months ago.

“I think we should talk to him in the same space like we used to when Virat didn’t get a 100 in last three and a half years. So we should be equally hard on Rohit Sharma because 50 innings in international cricket is quite a lot,” he was quoted as saying by Star Sports.

Rohit scored 83, 17, and 42 runs in three One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka. His most recent ODI century was 119 against Australia in Bengaluru in January 2020. Gambhir added that Rohit needs to regain his century-making ability, which Kohli has rediscovered.

“It’s not you didn’t get a 100 in one or two series, and that is one thing that is missing in Rohit’s game from the last World Cup. He used to get those big 100s, this time he’s looking in good form, he’s hitting the ball well but he has to convert.”

“One thing that has stood out for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and Virat has got it back, Rohit Sharma need to get it back at least before the World Cup because these two guys will be extremely important if India has to go all the way and win the World Cup,” he added.

India’s next home match is a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on Wednesday in Hyderabad.

-IANS