Rohit Sharma can chase 11 personal milestones in India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand
Rohit Sharma could achieve 11 specific personal milestones during India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4. The series has been framed as an opportunity for both sides to test combinations ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.
Ever since he was sacked as captain, Rohit has faced scrutiny over his place, particularly with Yashasvi Jaiswal emerging in the ranks, and he has publicly expressed his desire to feature in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, a time when he will be 40 years old. Questions about his future intensified during the England ODIs, when it was said that the third game at Lord’s would be his final match as selectors have decided to move on from him, yet he produced a century that made him the first India batter to hit a century at Lord’s in ODIs. He then continued that form in the home series against West Indies, scoring a century in the second match and following it with 93 in the final game where conditions looked tough to bat. Going into the New Zealand series, Rohit would be confident, especially with the form he is carrying, and he will also have several milestones to pursue.
Khel Now’s list of targets for Rohit includes batting milestones: Need 1 century to become "Oldest ever player to score a century in NZ ODIs"; Need 1 century to become "4th Indian to score an ODI Century in all SENA Countries"; Need 1 50+ for "Most 50+ Scores against NZ among Indian Openers"; and Need 1 P.O.M Award to become "1st Indian to Win P.O.M Award at the age of 39".
Two run-related targets are also on the list: Need 36 runs to become "1st Indian Opener to Score 5000 runs in SENA" and Need 183 runs to complete "15000 runs in Wins".
A cluster of six-hitting marks feature prominently: Need 2 sixes for "Most 6s against NZ in ODI"; Need 5 sixes for "Most 6s against NZ in Intl"; Need 6 sixes to become "1st opener to Smash 600 6s in Intl"; Need 8 sixes to become "1st opener to Smash 200 6s against SENA Teams"; and Need 14 sixes for "Most 6s in SENA by a Visitor".
Team selection for the early part of the series has been outlined: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to open innings for India in first three ODIs. India will use the five-match series to test their combination for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.
The New Zealand vs India five-match ODI series starts on November 4; for ongoing coverage Khel Now directs readers to follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join their community on Whatsapp & Telegram.