The Indian cricket team secured a 3-0 series sweep against New Zealand by winning the third ODI. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were the top run-scorers, each hitting a century, while Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav led the way with the ball, taking three wickets each. Thakur was named the Player of the Match for his 3 for 45 performance. Despite his success, there were instances during the match where Sharma wasn’t pleased with Thakur’s performance.
Shardul took crucial wickets of Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips during the middle of the match, which greatly favored India’s chances of winning. However, at one point in the match, captain Rohit was unhappy with Shardul’s approach.
During the 27th over, Rohit approached Shardul and expressed his dissatisfaction with the length of his deliveries. The commentators also agreed with Rohit’s assessment and felt that Shardul should have been bowling more effectively.
Shardul has had a inconsistent selection in the Indian ODI team. With his Player of the Match performance in the third ODI, his confidence would have greatly increased. Following the match, Rohit complimented Shardul highly, calling him a “magician.”
“We executed our bowling strategies well, kept our composure and performed well. Shardul has been consistent in his performance. His teammates refer to him as a magician and he lived up to that reputation by delivering once again. He just needs more opportunities to play,” said Rohit at the post-match ceremony.