Rohit Sharma started off his full-time ODI captaincy stint on a memorable note with India registering a comfortable 6-wicket win over the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.
After India had bowled out the visitors for 176, courtesy of 7 wickets between the spinners Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal, Sharma led from the front with the bat with a quickfire 60 off 51 balls, easing down the chase.
He was excellent as the captain in the field, and once again showed why he has won 5 titles with Mumbai Indians in the IPL and is rated so highly by experts. Sharma was spot-on with his reviews – overturning as many as three incorrect on-field umpiring decisions – smart with his bowling changes and was often seen talking with his bowlers and fielders.
There was one such instance – the dismissal of West Indies opener Brandon King – which was possible because of Sharma’s shrewd field placement. A video has surfaced on social media in which Rohit is seen setting the field during the 12th over when right-hander Brandon King was about to face off-spinner Sundar for the first time in the game.
Sharma is clearly heard through stump-mic checking his square leg and mid-wicket fielders inside the circle at catching position for stopping a single and at the boundary line if the batsman decides to go for a big shot. Virat Kohli, the former captain, is also seen assisting Sharma in the field setting.
And then the wicket comes: Sundar pitches on length in line forcing King to shift on the back foot as he tries to work it on the leg-side, however, the batter mistimed his shot, and lobbing the ball towards the mid-wicket fielder, Suryakumar Yadav dives and completes the catch. A plan well executed by Sharma and Sundar both of whom share a low-five.
Here you can watch the video:
Rohit says and sets field for square leg and midwicket the very next ball catch at mid wicket and these insecure credit stealer Cuties tweet like they always do ?? #INDvWI https://t.co/kuN2dH7AV1 pic.twitter.com/k3TR4SyEiC
— Believer!!! Living On a Pale Blue DOT? (@HumanTsunaMEE) February 6, 2022
The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue.
