Former cricketer Irfan Pathan is not at all concerned over Rohit Sharma's form after the Indian skipper captain slammed a half-century in the second ODI against New Zealand in Raipur on Saturday (January 21).

Chasing the paltry target of 109, Rohit took time initially before he played some glorious strokes to score his 48th ODI fifty. In the process, he added 72 runs for the opening wicket with Shubman Gill (40*) to script India’s series-clinching eight-wicket victory.

Sharma was eventually dismissed for 51 off 50 balls and his knock was studded with 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Speaking to Star Sports, Pathan said people shouldn’t worry about Rohit’s form. Notably, the Indian captain hasn’t hit an ODI century since January 2020 and, thus, fans express concern at times considering that the 50-over World Cup is due to be played later this year.

"I am repeatedly saying that you shouldn't worry too much about Rohit Sharma's form at all. This was his first half-century while chasing against New Zealand and it came at the right time," Irfan said.

"He made only one mistake when the ball hit his pads, there was an lbw appeal, they wanted to take the DRS but didn't take it. But other than that, he looked in complete control, we saw amazing shots, on the up on the off side and the leg side," he added.

Irfan Pathan also praised Rohit for respecting the conditions in Raipur at first before launching the attack.

"The conditions were not easy, they were slightly difficult. The ball was moving a little under the lights. The scoreboard pressure was not there but he had to go close to a half-century. That milestone has come and if he gets an opportunity going forward, he will make the milestone even bigger because he is batting extremely well."

"The problem is that when you are chasing a low score, you try to hit from the first ball. That was not the case. He respected the conditions and then played his favorite shots once he got set," he stated.

The third and final ODI will be played in Indore on Tuesday (January 24).