Rohit Sharma produced a fighting half-century during India’s two-wicket defeat against Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday (October 23).
After a scratchy start, the veteran opener played some gorgeous strokes to return with 73 off 97 balls. His knock, studded with two sixes and seven fours, set the foundation for India’s competitive total of 264/9 in 50 overs.
However, Rohit’s effort went in vain as the hosts chased down the target in 46.2 overs to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
During the post-match presentation, India’s new ODI skipper Shubman Gill was asked about his predecessor Rohit’s performance.
In reply, Gill said: “It's never easy coming back and playing competitive cricket after a long break. The initial phase was very challenging, but I'm very pleased with the way he batted. He fought through the early stages. I'd say he missed out on a really big knock.”
The captain expressed disappointment with his team's fielding display. “We had just enough runs on the board. It's never easy to defend that kind of total when you drop a couple of chances. In the first game, the toss was more crucial because of the rain. But in this game, I wouldn't say it mattered as much since both teams played nearly 50 overs. The wicket was doing a bit more initially, but I think it settled nicely after 15–20 overs,” Gill stated at the post-match presentation.
Coming to Rohit Sharma, he etched his name in history books by becoming the first Indian batter to score 1,000 runs in India-Australia ODI matches on Australian soil. In 21 matches, Rohit has scored 1,071 runs against Australia on their home turf, at an average of 56.36 and a strike rate of 89.32, including four hundreds and three fifties, with a best score of 171*.
The 38-year-old also surpassed former captain Sourav Ganguly to become India's third-highest run-getter in ODIs. Rohit currently has 11,249 runs to his name from 275 ODIs at an average of 48.69, with 32 centuries and 59 fifties, and a best score of 264.
The third and final ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday (October 25).
(With ANI Inputs)
