Rohit Sharma 3/10, Virat Kohli? India Players Rated After IND vs NZ ODI Series

The India team batting against NZ [Source: AFP]

The India vs New Zealand five-match ODI series has finally concluded with the visitors bagging the series 3-1. While the 4th ODI exposed India’s batting weakness on tough conditions, Shreyas Iyer & Co. gathered their nerve to pull off a heroic win in the final game at Bay Oval. 

After the conclusion of the series, from Virat Kohli to Gurnoor Brar, let’s take a look at how the players fared after a long contest in the 50-over format.

1. Gurnoor Brar – 9/10

Gurnoor Brar was arguably India's biggest positive from the bowling department. The right-arm pacer picked up nine wickets in just four matches, finishing with an impressive average of 15.88. 

Brar also maintained his impact across different stages of the series and emerged as India's leading wicket-taker. His performances also earned him a place in India's Test squad for the subsequent New Zealand series, cementing his status as the best player.

2. Ishan Kishan – 7.5/10

Ishan Kishan made the most of his limited opportunities, scoring 73 runs in just two appearances at an average of 36.50. His highest score was 46, and he provided India with an attacking option in the middle order.

The wicketkeeper-batter also contributed behind the stumps, taking three catches and completing two stumpings. 

Moreover, Kishan's ability to score quickly and contribute as a wicketkeeper makes his comeback a positive takeaway for India.

3. Arshdeep Singh – 8.5/10

Arshdeep Singh delivered a productive series with the ball, finishing with eight wickets from five matches at an average of 21.37. His best figures were 4/70, and he provided India with important breakthroughs throughout the contest.

Arshdeep's ability to find wickets made him an important part of India's pace attack. However, there were opportunities to be more economical, which kept his rating slightly below the leading performer, Brar.

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4. Axar Patel – 8.5/10

Axar Patel made valuable contributions in both departments, scoring 74 runs and taking six wickets across five matches. He averaged 18.50 with the bat, with 46 his highest score, while his bowling average was an impressive 17.83.

His best bowling figures were 2/28, and he provided useful support to India's frontline pacers. Although Axar did not produce a defining all-round performance, his consistency across departments helped India maintain balance.

5. Naman Dhir – 7/10

Naman Dhir had a useful series, contributing with both bat and ball whenever required. The all-rounder scored 60 runs in five matches at an average of 20, with his highest score being 22. He also picked up two wickets, including an impressive return of 1/4.

While his batting contributions were not particularly substantial, Dhir offered India another option with the ball. However, he will want to convert his starts into bigger scores in future opportunities.

6. Anshul Kamboj – 7.5/10

Anshul Kamboj made a decent impression despite featuring in only three matches. The fast bowler picked up four wickets at an average of 11.75, with his best figures standing at 2/22.

Although he did not play enough matches to establish himself as a regular wicket-taking option, his performances offered India another promising pace-bowling alternative ahead of the World Cup 2027.

7. Auqib Nabi – 6/10

Auqib Nabi had a relatively modest outing in the ODI series, finishing with five wickets from five matches. He averaged 32 with the ball, while his best performance came with figures of 2/31.

Although he managed to pick up wickets, his overall returns were not as impressive as those of India's other fast bowlers, despite the management showing faith in him consistently. 

Nabi will need to make a stronger impact with the ball to improve his position in the pecking order.

8. Rohit Sharma – 3/10

Rohit Sharma endured a difficult series, managing just 30 runs across five matches at an average of 7.50. His highest score was 23, and the experienced opener failed to provide India with the kind of starts that have defined his ODI career.

Rohit also took two catches in the field, but his batting returns remained the biggest concern, with his form still rusty. Given his importance at the top of the order, India would have expected more from the former captain, as it was a series to forget for the senior opener.

9. Virat Kohli – 5/10

Virat Kohli also had an underwhelming series by his standards, managing 86 runs across five matches at an average of 21.50. His highest score was 74, which offered a glimpse of his ability to build an innings, but he couldn't maintain that consistency in the remaining matches.

Kohli's experience remains an important part of India's batting line-up, but the series did not produce the kind of returns expected from the senior batter.

10. Shreyas Iyer – 4.5/10

Shreyas Iyer struggled to make a significant impact with the bat, scoring 67 runs in five matches at an average of 16.75. The middle-order batter could not produce a substantial innings and struggled to provide stability when India needed contributions from the middle order.

Iyer's highest score in the series was 30, and he did not register a half-century. While his experience and ability against spin remain valuable for India, this series was disappointing for him individually.

11. Shubman Gill – 6.5/10

Shubman Gill featured in two matches and scored 37 runs at an average of 18.50. The Indian batter failed to produce a significant contribution during his limited appearances but was effective in the 1st ODI.

Gill's participation was restricted to the first part of the series, and he could not provide the kind of starts India usually expects from him at the top of the order. Although the sample size was relatively small, his returns fell short of expectations. He will be keen to put the series behind him and regain his batting rhythm.

12. KL Rahul – 6.5/10

KL Rahul had a limited role with the bat, scoring 29 runs across three appearances. He remained unbeaten on 26 in his highest-scoring innings, showing some composure during his time at the crease.

The wicketkeeper-batter also made three catches during the series, contributing behind the stumps before leaving to prepare for the Test series. Nevertheless, Rahul's ability to handle wicketkeeping and middle-order responsibilities continues to offer India flexibility.

13. Ruturaj Gaikwad – 4.5/10

Ruturaj Gaikwad had a brief opportunity in the series, featuring in two matches and scoring 23 runs at an average of 11.50. His highest score was 18, and he could not turn either appearance into a substantial contribution.

The opening batter also took one catch in the field. With limited opportunities, Gaikwad had a chance to strengthen his case for a regular place in the ODI setup but failed to make a strong impression.

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