Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Quick Exits Cost India the Match

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Quick Exits Cost India the Match

In a high-stakes second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, the narrative of the match was written in two distinct chapters. While the first chapter featured a valiant, lone-warrior century by KL Rahul, it was the preceding chapter—marked by the unexpected and rapid departures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—that ultimately left India vulnerable. New Zealand, led by a majestic century from Daryl Mitchell, capitalized on India’s top-order failure to secure a 7-wicket victory and level the three-match series 1-1.

The Foundations Crumble: Rohit and Kohli’s Early Walk

Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early moisture. India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, initially appeared to justify the team’s confidence. They navigated a testing opening spell from Kyle Jamieson and Zakary Foulkes, putting on a solid 70-run stand.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohlis Quick Exits Cost India the Match

However, the momentum shifted abruptly in the 13th over. Rohit Sharma, who looked set for a big one after a few trademark pulls, mistimed an aerial shot off Kristian Clarke and was caught for 24 (38). The “Hitman’s” exit was the first crack in India’s armor.

While Shubman Gill continued his fine form to reach a half-century, the real blow came later. Virat Kohli, coming off a 93 in the first ODI, looked fluent with a couple of signature drives. But the stadium fell into a “pindrop silence” when Kohli, on 23 (29), attempted to manufacture a shot through point and chopped a delivery from Clarke onto his stumps. With the two stalwarts back in the dugout for a combined total of 47 runs, the Indian middle order was exposed far earlier than planned.

The Middle-Order Struggle and Rahul’s Rescue Act

The quick exits of Rohit and Kohli triggered a mini-collapse. Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply for 8, and Shubman Gill (56) followed soon after, leaving India reeling at 118/4. The pitch, which had slowed down significantly, made stroke-playing a nightmare for the incoming batters.

KL Rahul, however, proved once again why he is the backbone of India’s middle order. While the stars failed, Rahul anchored the innings with a masterclass in situational batting. He shared a crucial 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (27) to steady the ship. Rahul eventually shifted gears in the death overs, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 112 off 92 balls, decorated with 11 boundaries and a six. His effort dragged India to a competitive 284/7, a total that many thought would be enough on a two-paced Rajkot track.

 Mitchell and Young Silence Rajkot

India’s hope for a series-clinching win was briefly ignited when Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna removed Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls early, leaving the visitors at 46/2.

But then came the partnership that redefined the game. Daryl Mitchell and Will Young put on a clinic, adding 162 runs for the third wicket. Mitchell was particularly aggressive against India’s premier spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, who struggled to find his rhythm and ended with figures of 1/82. Mitchell, who survived a dropped catch on 80, punished the Indian bowlers with a wide array of shots.

Will Young eventually fell for a well-made 87, but the damage was done. Daryl Mitchell finished the game in spectacular fashion, executing an audacious falling scoop for four to remain 131 (117)*. New Zealand reached the target of 285 with 15 balls to spare, marking their highest successful ODI chase on Indian soil.

 A Lesson in Conversion

For India, the post-match analysis will undoubtedly center on the lack of a “big score” from their top-two legends. On a day when the conditions improved under the lights, India needed one of their top three to stay until the 40th over. While KL Rahul played the innings of a lifetime, he lacked the support at the top that could have pushed India past the 320-run mark.

As the teams head to Indore for the series decider on Sunday, the focus remains on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. If India is to reclaim dominance on the road to the 2027 World Cup, their “Big Two” must find a way to convert starts into match-winning knocks.

 2nd ODI, Rajkot

• India: 284/7 (50 Overs) | KL Rahul 112*, Shubman Gill 56; Kristian Clarke 3/56.

• New Zealand: 286/3 (47.3 Overs) | Daryl Mitchell 131*, Will Young 87.

• Result: New Zealand won by 7 wickets.

• Man of the Match: Daryl Mitchell.

India Innings: 284/7 (50 Overs)

New Zealand Innings: 286/3 (47.3 Overs)