Rohit Sharma was going gung-ho in India’s 4th innings chase of the target of 115 against Australia in the 2nd Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, in Delhi, and had scored 30 runs off 19 balls.
But a mix-up with Cheteshwar Pujara brought his downfall and the Indian captain got run-out, scoring 31 (20). By then, though, he had put India in a commanding position in the chase of this small yet tricky target.
On the ball after hitting Kuhnemann for a six down the ground in the 7th over of India’s innings, Rohit tapped the left-arm spinner on the leg side and he and Pujara set off sprinting. Rohit had called for two, and Pujara obliged his skipper, turned around and set off for the double.
However, Rohit saw the fielder get to the ball before he had even came mid-pitch. Sharma wanted to send Pujara back, but realised it was his own mistake and sacrificed his wicket for Pujara, who is need of some runs and confidence and could do with it in what is his 100th Test.
Rohit Sharma realised it was his mistake in the run-out and sacrificed his wicket for Pujara
While fans were disappointed that Rohit Sharma selflessly sacrificed his wicket even though he was batting beautifully and aggressively, they also hailed the Indian skipper for his magnanimous act.
Here are some of the reactions:
Not everyone can be Rohit Sharma 💔🥺
He is So Selfless Player #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/aUTlbLYtxY— V' (@Vector_45R) February 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/BoiesX45/status/1627202284232011776?s=20
Pujara just responded to Rohit's call. Rohit sacrificed his wicket as he felt he was the one who changed his mind. https://t.co/zgcgs9t9qZ
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 19, 2023
Rohit sacrificed his wicket because he thought it was his mistake.
That's where I miss Pant.. He knows whose wicket the opposition want more.. even if it would be his mistake, he would have shown his back to Pujara.
— Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) February 19, 2023
In the context of this low score chase, these quick knocks are really invaluable. Pushes the team ahead of the game, into a good position. And Rohit Sharma did exactly that. What a knock and how selfless was he to sacrifice his wicket for Pujara. Captain! https://t.co/hqdCpYf484
— Ash (@TheCricketArk) February 19, 2023
That's Rohit Sharma the most Selfless cricketer for you @ImRo45 sacrificed his wicket for letting Pujara play his 100th Testhttps://t.co/uS3dZVfITr
— Immy|| 🇮🇳 (@TotallyImro45) February 19, 2023
Selfless from Rohit but that was again avoidable. You don't want to give too many wickets to give Australia a sniff. Kohli and Pujara together again.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/Ro45Goat/status/1627204955831676929?s=20
Rohit Sharma is one of the most selfless cricketers India ever had. #INDvsAUS #CricketTwitter
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) February 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/emotionhitman45/status/1627207392239955969?s=20
Sacrificed his wicket for Pujara who is playing 100th test match. Rohit Selfless Sharma 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/2NknTJFc8q
— Pradeep (@PMTweets45) February 19, 2023
In a chse of 115, India lost KL Rahul in the second over only. But Sharma didn’t deter from playing shots. In the first over, he had driven Kuhnemann down the ground for a four and in the third, a whip through mid-wicket for the same result.
Sharma turned even more aggressive, wanting to kill off the game soon, and took down Nathan Lyon, for a four and a six before slamming Kuhnemann for another sixer, before unfortunately getting run-out.
