Rohit returned with scores of 26, 24 and 11 in three ODIs against New Zealand.
The 38-year-old, however, failed to make a mark in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, returning with underwhelming scores of 26, 24 and 11.
After his dismissal in the series-decider in Indore on Sunday (January 18), questions were raised over Rohit’s hunger and whether he has enough fuel in the tank to play in 2027 World Cup.
India skipper Shubman Gill was also asked about Rohit Sharma’s lack of runs after the team succumbed to a 2-1 series loss versus New Zealand.
Gill was quick to mention that Rohit scored runs against Australia and South Africa, and it was just a case of his predecessor not being able to convert starts against the Kiwis.
"I think he's been in terrific form, even right through from the Australia series, even in the South Africa series. As I said, you won't always be able to convert the stars that you get. And I think he got some starts in the first couple of ODIs," Gill told reporters at the post-match press conference.
"And as a batter, you always want to convert those stats and always want to make it count and make it into hundreds. But it's not possible to do it every time. But at the same time, that's something that you always strive to do," he added.
It is worth mentioning here that Rohit Sharma has repeatedly said he wants to chase the dream of lifting the ODI World Cup for one last time in South Africa next year, having failed to cross the semi-final hurdles in 2015 and 2019 and the final barrier in 2023.
Rohit, along with Virat Kohli, will next turn up for India during the tour of England in July. Before that, both batting stalwarts will represent their respective franchises in the IPL 2026 season, slated to get underway on March 26.