After months of inconsistent performances, India’s captain Rohit Sharma silenced his critics with a breathtaking century in the second ODI against England in Cuttack. Chasing a formidable 305, Rohit showcased a perfect blend of aggression and composure, proving that his lean patch was nothing more than a temporary setback.
From the outset, Rohit dictated terms, making the chase look effortless. Even while in the nineties, he remained unfazed, stepping out to loft Adil Rashid for a six to bring up his century in style. His subdued celebration spoke volumes—this was not just a century; it was a statement.
A Match-Winning Partnership
Opening alongside Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma ensured India’s chase began on a dominant note. The duo stitched together a 136-run partnership, providing a rock-solid foundation. Gill’s assured 60 complemented Rohit’s fireworks, making sure England’s bowlers had no room to breathe. After Gill’s departure, Shreyas Iyer (44) stepped up, keeping the momentum going and adding another crucial 70 runs with the skipper.
Tactical Brilliance from Rohit
In the post-match presentation, Rohit dissected his innings, revealing a calculated approach.
“It was an important game with the series on the line, but I broke it down into phases. ODIs are longer than T20s but shorter than Tests, so I wanted to bat accordingly. The pitch was tricky—it skidded on black soil—so I focused on showing the full face of the bat early on and accessing the gaps later.”
His strategy paid off brilliantly as he carved out a 119-run knock off just 90 balls, leading India to a comfortable four-wicket victory.
England’s Effort Falls Short
Despite setting a competitive 304-run target, England couldn’t stop India’s batting juggernaut. Joe Root (69) and Ben Duckett (65) provided the backbone of England’s innings, while Liam Livingstone’s late charge (41 off 32) pushed them past 300.
However, India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/35), kept England from posting an even bigger total. Debutant Varun Chakravarthy impressed with his control, picking up a wicket while maintaining a tight economy.
India Seals the Series
With this win, India takes an unassailable 2-0 lead, securing the series in emphatic fashion. Rohit’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, with the Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner. If this performance is anything to go by, India’s opponents have every reason to be worried.
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