Rohit Sharma answered his critics in style with a fighting 73 off 97 balls in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, steering India to a competitive total of 264/9.
With his innings coming at a time when questions were swirling on social media about his future, the Indian skipper showed why he remains one of the team’s most dependable batters.
Early Pressure, Big Names Back in the Pavilion
India were under pressure early after being asked to bat first on a pitch that offered plenty of movement. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Xavier Bartlett made full use of the conditions, unsettling India’s top order.
Shubman Gill fell for 9 and Virat Kohli for a duck, leaving the visitors in trouble inside the powerplay. Rohit, however, remained calm amid the storm, weathering fiery spells from the Australian quicks.
Building the Innings with Iyer
In the first two overs, Rohit managed to score just a single run off 11 balls, but he soon shifted gears. Finding support in Shreyas Iyer, the experienced opener began to rotate the strike smartly while punishing the loose balls.
The duo stitched together a 118-run partnership for the third wicket, which became the backbone of India’s innings. Rohit’s knock featured nine fours and two sixes, showcasing a perfect blend of resilience and timing.
Kaif’s High Praise for Rohit’s Response to Critics
Rohit’s innings drew applause from fans and former cricketers alike, including Mohammed Kaif, who called it one of the most important knocks of his career.
“Too much social media chatter about his future, tough pitch, world-class pacers operating, Gill and Kohli out cheaply… Despite all that, Rohit plays a crucial innings for India and his career. This 73 at Adelaide will give him a lot of confidence. Rohit shows he isn’t going anywhere,” Kaif tweeted.
A Statement Knock on a Spicy Pitch
At 38, Rohit combined grit and elegance to craft an innings that anchored India’s total on a tricky surface. His composed approach under pressure sent a clear message — he’s far from done.
As the series heats up, Rohit’s performance could prove to be the spark India needed against a dominant Australian bowling attack.
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