World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam included as Australia pick ODI World 11: The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Quinton de Kock have found a place for themselves in the present ODI World Playing11 picked by Australian cricketers. The Aussies have heaped praises on the player for their comprehensive gameplay and sensational capabilities.
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INDvSL: While the third One Day International (ODI) game against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram was all about the mayhem caused by the blistering batting of Virat Kohli and Mohammad Siraj’s electrifying bowling spell, it had a little bit about Rohit Sharma as well, who has created an unwanted record for himself and now is under scrutiny.

Rohit, who is known for big centuries, has often got off to good starts, but his conversion rate has dipped to a large extent. In the recent three-match ODI series as well, Rohit scored 83 runs in the first game and 42 in the third ODI. Despite laying a solid launchpad early in the innings, the Indian skipper missed his chance to reach triple figures twice in the series against Sri Lanka.

The situation got worse when the stats showed Rohit has played the last 50 international innings without scoring a century. This is his career’s second-longest streak. His last century came against England at the Oval back in September 2021 during the five-match test series.

Former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, who was the panellist when the stat was presented during the third ODI, said Rohit must go through the same hardships and should be subjected to a similar response that his compatriot Virat Kohli faced when his runs dried up, 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 Gambhir.

Gambhir, who played an impactful knock of 97 runs in the ODI World Cup 2011 final against Sri Lanka, reckons Rohit’s game has everything in it but his triple figures have dried up which will affect India’s campaign in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Notably, Rohit Sharma was in scintillating form during the last ODI World Cup in 2019 where he slammed 5 centuries and ended as the highest run-getter in the tournament. The opener had scored 648 runs in nine innings with an average of 81.

“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,” the ex-cricketer added.

India will host the upcoming ODI World Cup in October-November. The preparations for the marquee tournament have already begun with the series against Sri Lanka.

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