Kannan in New Delhi
Zero to hero. That was the Rohit Sharma theme at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. After having scored a duck against Australia in India’s World Cup opener in Chennai on Sunday, the Rohit of old was there like sparkling wine.
His seventh World Cup hundred eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar’s record. This was his 19th World Cup innings. The 63-ball century was also the fastest in a World Cup by an Indian, overtaking Kapil Dev, who had reached the mark off 72 balls against Zimbabwe in 1983. These were statistical delights for the fans. The real beauty of the innings under lights against Afghanistan was timing and application.
Fans remember very well how fluent Rohit was in the last World Cup in England. From being a batter to leading the dreams and aspirations of a billion-plus Indians as captain, the pressure has been huge on him. Perhaps, he needed this knock, a ton, not just for himself but Team India, as they prepare for sterner challenges. For a man playing his third World Cup, the maturity on view was satisfying.
He has faced criticism for many reasons, not playing as much cricket as was expected before the World Cup being one of them. From his side, he had spoken about the importance of batters down the order taking responsibility in case of a top-order collapse. Maybe, he wanted to show that there is that hunger in him, right at the top, at the age of 36.
For those who have watched Rohit over the years, the timing of his knock was indeed sweet. That he had got his eye in would be stating the obvious. For a man who is no longer ‘needed’ by India in T20s, the pace at which he scored runs against Afghanistan was like an F1 car on the flat straight in eighth gear. The hundred off 63 balls was too sumptuous at dinner time at a venue situated near the ramparts of the historic Ferozeshah Kotla.
The old stadium here was a miserable one. Even before the World Cup, surrogate tobacco advertisement hoardings had made the venue look ugly. But then, this refurbished venue in India’s capital had been decked up. It looked clean, spick and span, courtesy the International Cricket Council.
From afternoon, the seats glistened. It was like the bride being decked up before the big, fat wedding. Perhaps, Rohit was eager to showcase his talent in an ambience where the stands were packed to the rafters.
Three hours before the toss, the main road leading to the stadium was throbbing with activity. Fans were lining up for last-minute tickets, unofficial Team India blue T-shirts with Rohit printed on the back were also selling fast.
By the time Rohit had completed his century, the T-shirt sellers had left, satisfied they had earned their bucks for the day. These Rohit T-shirts worn by fans, to the real Rohit on view was a study in contrast. This was champagne stuff, the fizz on view a delight. There was no madness in this knock, the aggression looked muffled. It had been coated with artistry as the main theme.
If cricket is a canvas where an artist uses the weasel to create something beautiful, Rohit did that. He is dangerous and he is a delight as well. The Mumbaikar knows questions are asked about his fitness. Maybe, just as Inzamam-ul Haq could score runs despite his bulk, Rohit can afford to put on a show without looking lean and trim.
Mean he was, for milking this Afghan attack was a tribute to his concentration. One ton can change the whole thought process. And, it lends stability at the top as well. What a start for Rohit the World Cup skipper.