Rohit Sharma In Focus As India Target ODI Series Win
India will look to seal the five-match ODI series against New Zealand when the teams meet in the third match at Seddon Park on Tuesday. While the visitors hold a 2-0 lead, Rohit Sharma鈥檚 form remains a talking point after two modest outings.
The seamer-friendly conditions in New Zealand have troubled India’s top order, with Virat Kohli the only batter to produce a major innings so far. Captain Shubman Gill will also be keen to make a contribution before leaving the squad after this match to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
Rohit Needs Runs In Challenging Conditions
The 39-year-old former captain has scored 0 and 23 in the first two ODIs. Over the past year, Rohit has adopted a more measured approach, preferring to build an innings before launching an attack. However, the change has brought mixed results.
The conditions in New Zealand have demanded patience, but Rohit has struggled to settle. With the uncertainty over his white-ball future having eased following Ajit Agarkar鈥檚 departure as selection committee chairman, consistent performances remain important for the senior batter.
Gill, meanwhile, will be eager to finish his ODI stint with a series-clinching victory. He is set to miss the final two matches in Tauranga, with Shreyas Iyer taking over the captaincy.
India Face Middle-Order Selection Question
India are unlikely to make major changes to their winning combination, but head coach Gautam Gambhir could reconsider the decision to send Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul at No. 5 in the second ODI.
The move was intended to introduce a left-hander into a middle order dominated by right-handed batters. However, Axar’s batting may be less suited to conditions offering significant seam movement and variable bounce.
Rahul’s unbeaten 26 in Wellington highlighted his ability to handle difficult conditions. With Ishan Kishan expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in the final two games, Rahul is likely to link up with India’s Test squad.
India’s pace attack has also delivered encouraging results, with Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh among the wicket-takers. Mohammed Siraj could be rested, with the opening Test against New Zealand scheduled to begin in 10 days.
Injury-Hit New Zealand Under Pressure
New Zealand have struggled despite playing in familiar conditions. Captain Mitchell Santner has lost both tosses, but the home side’s batting performances have also raised concerns.
Devon Conway’s concussion and Rachin Ravindra’s injury have added to the hosts’ problems, while Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls have failed to find form. The top three of Tim Seifert, Will Young and Nicholls have also struggled to put together meaningful partnerships.
New Zealand will be without fast bowler Blair Tickner, who is sidelined due to concussion. Kristian Clarke has been called into the squad after recently featuring in an unofficial Test against India A.
The third ODI will be an important opportunity for Latham and Nicholls to regain confidence before joining the Test squad. India, meanwhile, will aim to wrap up the series and carry momentum into the remaining matches.
Match Details: Third ODI, India vs New Zealand
- Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
- Date: Tuesday, November 10
- Start time: 7:30 AM IST
