Rohit Sharma (c) of India during the 2nd ODI match between India and England held at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India on the 9th February 2025. (Sportzpics)
India vs England ODI series: In his whirlwind century, Rohit Sharma showed he knows how to construct an innings
Doubts surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI form were emphatically silenced on Sunday as the Indian captain smashed a 90-ball 119 against England in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium. His innings, featuring seven towering sixes, was a blend of calculated aggression and masterful execution, leading India to victory. Two shots early in his innings signaled Rohit’s intent. A flicked six off Gus Atkinson in the second over and a powerful hit over long-off against Saqib Mahmood in the fifth over showcased his signature strokeplay and rekindled memories of his dominant form. The long-off shot, reminiscent of a father lifting his daughter in joy, has become a trademark for Rohit, even appearing in his recent Ranji Trophy appearance.
While the innings seemed like a whirlwind, Rohit revealed the strategic thinking behind his knock. “I really broke it down into pieces about how I wanted to bat,” he explained after the game. He emphasized the need to adapt and assess throughout a 50-over innings, balancing aggression with the need to bat deep.
Rohit’s innings wasn’t just about raw power. He strategically shifted gears, accelerating and then consolidating, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game situation. His ability to pace his innings, combined with his explosive shot-making, proved to be the key to his success. (READ MORE)
