India continued their dominant streak against England, sealing the ODI series with a four-wicket victory in Cuttack on Sunday. Chasing 305, the hosts once again displayed their batting prowess, racing to the target in just 44.3 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Rohit Sharma Breaks the Shackles
The biggest takeaway from the match was the resurgence of skipper Rohit Sharma, who shrugged off his lean patch with a masterful century—his 32nd in ODIs. Rohit’s 119 off 90 balls was a blend of patience and power, as he orchestrated India’s chase with finesse. From textbook strokes to audacious sixes, the Indian captain made a strong statement ahead of the Champions Trophy.
However, while Rohit dazzled, Virat Kohli had another forgettable outing. The star batter managed just five runs off eight balls before falling to Adil Rashid in the 20th over.
The ‘Buttler Distraction’ Controversy
Kohli’s dismissal sparked a debate on social media, with fans blaming England captain Jos Buttler for allegedly breaking his concentration. Just a delivery before his wicket, Buttler had thrown the ball back towards Kohli after collecting a shot at point. While the English skipper quickly raised his hand in apology—and Kohli acknowledged it—the moment left fans speculating whether it disrupted the batter’s focus.
England’s Missed Opportunity
England, who batted first, seemed poised for a bigger total but failed to capitalize on a strong start. Ben Duckett (65), Joe Root (69), and Liam Livingstone (41) contributed valuable runs, but none could push the score past 350, which Buttler later admitted might have been a safer target.
“We needed someone to push on and get us to 350. Credit to Rohit, he batted superbly. We played the powerplay brilliantly, but we needed someone to carry on. The results aren’t there, but we must keep going and stay positive,” Buttler said after the match.
Looking Ahead
With the series wrapped up, India will look for a clean sweep in the final ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. While Rohit’s return to form is a huge boost, Kohli will be eager to make amends before the Champions Trophy.
Will England salvage pride, or will India complete a dominant 3-0 sweep? All eyes now turn to Ahmedabad for the series finale.
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