India vs New Zealand: India's swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma failed to convert a start into a big score against New Zealand in the 2nd ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. On a stellar batting track, Rohit started slow but picked up his pace in the inning in first powerplay, which featured four boundaries. New Zealand pacers Kyle Jamieson and Zakary Foulkes bowled a probing line to contain the Indian openers, but Rohit started collecting boundaries from the 6th over.
However, Rohit failed to capitalise further as he fell to Kristian Clarke in the 13th over. Even during the 1st ODI, Rohit got off to a good start, scoring 26 off 29 balls, but couldn't convert it into a milestone.
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Former India captain has displayed rich batting form ever since his return to international Cricket in October 2025. Rohit ended his year with 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of over 100, with two centuries and four fifties and a best score of 121.
Here's why Kohli stays ahead of Rohit
Former India player Mohammad Kaif has stated that Virat Kohli's consistent performance and converting starts have put him ahead of Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket.
"Virat Kohli converts starts. A score of 30 or 40 means he will stay till the end, win the match, and, if he gets into form, become consistent. That is why, in ODI cricket, Virat Kohli has always been ahead of Rohit Sharma. He consistently scores runs and plays big innings. You can see it when Virat Kohli got out in the first ODI; he was shaking his head, clearly thinking he played a wrong shot," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
India 114/2 After 21 overs
At the time of reporting this story, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were at the crease with Shubman Gill (56) and Rohit back in the hut. India currently lead the series 1-0 after registering a 4-wicket win in Vadodara.