During the second Super Over of the third Twenty20 International match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, Rohit Sharma took a huge gamble by tossing the ball to Ravi Bishnoi, asking him to defend eleven. As a result, India won the match.
Although decision makers are typically hesitant to give the ball in the last moments towards a spinner, Rohit trusted his instincts, and Bishnoi did not disappoint. Following a thrilling and suspenseful cliffhanger, Bishnoi helped India win the match by taking the wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Muhammad Nabi on the opening and third deliveries, respectively.
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of India, praised Rohit for his courageous action and said that batting the full over would have meant victory for Afghanistan, thus Rohit was correct in heading for the kill.
The Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid said, “I think Rohit went with his gut, he went with a call… I think he felt that the spinner had a better chance to take those two wickets. It was one of games when 11 wasn’t probably a huge score and where you know that if they batted those six balls, with the power they had, they probably would’ve got the 12 runs. You needed to take two wickets.”
The former Team India batter added, “I think it was a great call from the skipper to go with the spinner. He could’ve gone for two sixes but I thought Bishnoi was brilliant, because he bowled two superb balls. He pulled the length back… if the length had gone slightly fuller, the way they were batting, on this small ground it would’ve gone for a six.”
“That’s Ash-level thinking” : Rahul Dravid
The fact that India captain Rohit Sharma was permitted to bat during the 2nd Super Over despite coming off the pitch to allow Rinku Singh, who appeared to be a faster runner, to complete the innings has now caused a great deal of controversy.
While interacting with the broadcasters, Rahul Dravid spoke on the call taken by Rohit Sharma during the first Super over. He said, “Taking himself out was Ashwin-level thinking. That’s Ash-level thinking,”
Fans react as Rahul Dravid comments on Rohit Sharma retiring out during super over against Afghanistan: –
Rahul Dravid said, "it was a Ravi Ashwin level thinking to get off Rohit Sharma just before the final ball in the Super Over". pic.twitter.com/2BXER0hpf5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 17, 2024
He Is Genius .
He Is Warrior .
He Is The Indian Captain Rohit Sharma ? pic.twitter.com/6bBgXbbM6N— ??..Rai ji..?? (@Vinod_r108) January 17, 2024
A busy day with bat for skipper Rohit Sharma? pic.twitter.com/yFLAblmLQ3
— Parmjeet Singh (@ParmjeetSi25214) January 17, 2024
Batted for 20 overs.
Fielded in the 2nd innings.
Batted in both the Super Overs.Rohit Sharma from ball 1 till the win gave his best for India…!!! ??? pic.twitter.com/NDng19jiIR
— Anshuman Singh (@indiancrusher) January 17, 2024
It was the Day Of Rohit Sharma
On 17th January Created History ?By Hitman Rohit Sharma
And Rinku Singh
After loosing 4 Early Wicket to Making 212 Runs
Well Fight back By Afghanistan?? as Well— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) January 17, 2024
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) January 17, 2024
Haters: Rohit Sharma is finished now. He is not suitable for T20I!
Le Rohit Sharma: pic.twitter.com/BK9P6CNWSf
— ??..Rai ji..?? (@Vinod_r108) January 17, 2024
Assh anna supremacy ????
— M Santhosh (@SANTHOSH_21M) January 17, 2024
Consecutive sixes by Hitman in First Super Over ??#INDvAFGpic.twitter.com/uty4kOErVB
— Flash (@F1ash369) January 18, 2024
Best moment of the match ?
— JD (@JDtheGhilli) January 17, 2024
