Gautam Gambhir, the former India batter, who is one of the panelist on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the series, was shocked to learn about the record of Rohit Sharma not scoring a ton for 50 innings at a stretch. The Indian in-form batters once again had a splendid outing against Sri Lanka as the hosts piled a gigantic 390/5 after electing to bat first in the third and final ODI at Thiruvananthapuram.
Virat Kohli, who has been enjoying terrific form, once again rose to the occasion, smashing an unbeaten 166 off 110 balls, which included 13 fours and 8 sixes. Virat Kohli found the perfect support from in-form opener Shubman Gill, who also slammed his second ton in the 50-over format, and together they stitched 131-run for the second wicket.
Gautam Gambhir: Rohit Sharma Should Be Talked About On The Same Space Like Virat Kohli Who Scored Tons In Both T20I And ODI After 3 Year Hiatus
However, one player, who despite getting off to a solid start failed to convert it to a big score was Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. The Indian captain was caught at deep square leg for 42 off 49 balls, which also saw him create an unwanted record.
Rohit Sharma, who is renowned for big 100s, failed to reach the triple-digit mark in his last 50 international innings, his second-longest streak in his career. Sharing his views on it, Gautam Gambhir said that Rohit Sharma should be put in the same space where Virat Kohli was until 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,” said Gautam Gambhir.
Rohit Sharma, who made a comeback after his thumb injury, kicked off 2023 on a strong note as he smashed a 67-ball 83 in the first ODI, which India won by 67 runs. He looked in good touch in the third encounter played at Thiruvananthapuram.
India reached 390/5 in their 50 overs thanks to centuries from opener Shubman Gill (116) and Virat Kohli (166*). Lanka gave absolutely little resistance in their attempt to reach 391 and the game appeared to be over after Mohammed Siraj (4/32) threw a punishing powerplay spell. India defeated the opposition by 317 runs after bowling them out for just 73 runs.
Gautam Gambhir: Rohit Sharma Has To Convert Starts To Big Tons As He Will Have An Important Role To Play For 2023 World Cup
Acknowledging the starts Rohit Sharma has helped India get off to in the recently concluded ODIs against Sri Lanka, Gautam Gambhir mentioned that Rohit Sharma is connecting the ball well but needs to regain the form he was in the last 2019 World Cup.
With 648 runs from nine matches, Rohit Sharma then finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament. He had also smashed five centuries during the course of the tournament.
“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,” Gautam Gambhir said.
“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,” the ex-cricketer added.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma had a forgettable outing in 2022 and will hope for a turnaround, especially with the ODI World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by India, fast approaching. Rohit Sharma is the only cricketer with 3 ODI double-hundreds to his name and has also registered the highest individual score of 264. His last ODI ton came in January 2020 against Australia.