Under Rohit Sharma‘s leadership, India staged a remarkable turnaround in the second Test against England, clinching a 106-run victory to level the series at 1-1.
Despite a challenging start in the first innings and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive double century, India’s total of 396 was competitive but lacked substantial contributions from other batsmen. Despite this, the team managed to defend their target of 399 against a determined England side.
Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable 6/42, featuring key wickets including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, led India to a stunning comeback against England. Shubman Gill’s century in the second innings rescued India, but late struggles resulted in a total of 255. Despite this, India defended a target of 398, securing a convincing 106-run win and setting up the series nicely.
Here are Rohit Sharma’s 3 Strategic Choices As Captain Played A Pivotal Role In India’s Victory:
#3 Reintroducing Jasprit Bumrah right after dismissing Zak Crawley in the initial innings
Opting to bring back Jasprit Bumrah after Zak Crawley’s dismissal turned out to be a brilliant move, as he dismantled the English middle and lower order. Following Axar Patel’s breakthrough against Crawley, Rohit Sharma seized the opportunity, entrusting Bumrah, who delivered spectacularly.
Bumrah’s spell included inducing an edge from Joe Root and dismantling Ollie Pope’s stumps. Subsequently, Bairstow and Stokes fell victim, leading to England conceding a substantial lead.
In his final spell, Bumrah further asserted his dominance, dismissing Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir, concluding with impressive figures of 6/42 and earning him the Player of the Match Award. With the next Test in Rajkot approximately nine days away, there are speculations about Bumrah potentially being rested for the third Test.
#2 Making the Decision Review System (DRS) call for Zak Crawley in the second innings
Zak Crawley’s impressive batting in the second innings kept England in contention for chasing down the highest fourth-innings total to win a Test in India. While Crawley was dominating the Indian bowlers, Rohit Sharma reintroduced Kuldeep Yadav when England was at 194/4 in the second innings.
Kuldeep delivered a slider that seemed to slide down leg at first glance, but replays revealed it pitched in line and was destined to hit the leg stump.
The decision to review, despite initial doubts, proved crucial as England, originally looking strong, was eventually bowled out for 292. The debate intensified with Ben Stokes suggesting a technology error, though he acknowledged it was a personal perspective.
#1 Deploying an aggressive fielding setup despite England’s attacking strategy in the run chase
England’s pace bowler, Jimmy Anderson, had expressed the team’s intent to pursue a target even if it reached around 600. Although the 398-run target was a formidable challenge, England’s aggressive style on Day 4 initially gave them a realistic chance.
Zak Crawley’s impressive start mirrored his form from the first innings. Despite Crawley’s positive strokeplay, Rohit Sharma maintained a close-in field with mid-off and mid-on inside the thirty-yard circle for an extended period.
Even when Joe Root aggressively signaled his intentions, Rohit persisted with an infield setup, contributing to Root’s dismissal. In the latter part of the chase, Tom Hartley took on the Indian bowlers, but Rohit adhered to his strategic plans.
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