India captain Rohit Sharma finally got back into his form, and he did it in some style. In the first ODI against England at The Oval, Rohit led from the front in the small chase of the target of 111, smashing 76 unbeaten runs off 58 balls, with his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan also unbeaten on 31.
Rohit broke his rut of the past five months where he had been getting starts but was unable to convert them. This was only his second fifty of 2022, his previous one coming in February against West Indies in an ODI game; Rohit still doesn’t have a fifty this year in T20 cricket, having played 23 shortest format matches across international and IPL 2022.
Rohit Sharma Made A Stunning Comeback
He was sublime and confident today, showing off his glorious pull shots to entice the fans further, who would be expecting a big one in the coming two ODI matches.
In his entertaining stay at the crease, where he was on top of the England bowlers figuratively and literally as he pulled and hooked them for 5 jaw-dropping sixes and 6 fours.
Rohit is regarded as one of the best hook and pull shot batsmen of all-time, his name put in the same bracket as Viv Richards and Ricky Ponting when talking about the sumptuous pull shots they play.
Sharma himself admitted that these shots are of high risk, but he backs himself to clear the rope. “The hook is a high risk shot, I understand that, but as long as it comes out right, I am happy,” he said.
He’s happy. The fans were happy to see the Indian skipper back in form and looking at his best after what has been a frustrating few months where he had been failing to capitalize on his starts.
Netizens on Twitter expressed their delight at Sharma’s knock and their awe on his pull shots:
Rohit Sharma and the pull shot. The love story continues…..
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 12, 2022
Dhawan-Rohit, the og opening duo is back
#INDvsENG
— Unnati Madan (@unnati_madan) July 12, 2022
The difference between Rohit Sharma and other, amazing! pic.twitter.com/NruHfMiqrL
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 12, 2022
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, one of the all-time great opening pairs
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 12, 2022
If Pull shot is an art then Rohit Sharma is the artist.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 12, 2022
The win percentage of Rohit Sharma as ODI captain is 85.71 – 12th win from 14 games.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 12, 2022
By a Visiting Player in England
Most ODI runs – Rohit Sharma
Most ODI 100s – Rohit Sharma#ENGvIND— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) July 12, 2022
Rohit Sharma and Pull Shots
— A B H I
(@Edged_nTaken)
2⃣5⃣0⃣ 𝕆𝔻𝕀 𝕊𝕀𝕏𝔼𝕊 for @ImRo45
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) July 12, 2022
𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗘 
We are just proud of you, RO 
Fifty by Rohit Sharma in 49 balls. A fluent knock by the captain, fantastic shots throughout. Great innings by The Hitman! pic.twitter.com/BeBSDY5Tl4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 12, 2022
Rohit Sharma & the pull shot. Not many as good as the Hitman. Great to watch. pic.twitter.com/GZMKnxE8g6
— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) July 12, 2022
Total runs today:
England top six – 37
Rohit Sharma’s pull shot – 28#EngvInd— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) July 12, 2022
Rohit Sharma year-wise ODI batting average since 2013 (min 4 games)
2013: 52.0
2014: 52.5
2015: 50.9
2016: 62.6
2017: 71.8
2018: 73.6
2019: 57.3
2022: 51.3 (just 4 matches so far)Massive turnaround from averaging 12 across 14 games in 2012.#ENGvIND #CricketTwitter
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) July 12, 2022
A great knock by the captain Rohit Sharma – 76* (58) with 6 fours and 5 sixes. Dominated the short balls like a boss and deposited for a six, a fantastic knock. pic.twitter.com/kLOCG9mSWx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 12, 2022
Can’t explain how much I missed this Rohit Sharma
Had England scored more runs
We could have seen an amazing ODI ton after 2.5 years— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) July 12, 2022
Trademark shot of Rohit Sharma with a six. pic.twitter.com/gC2Jz5Mi5H
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 12, 2022
This was proper Rohit Sharma’s innings today. A fanboy in me felt alive and gratified after a long time. @ImRo45 thank you.
— ANSHUMAN
(@AvengerReturns)
