Shamik Chakrabarty in Cuttack
What did Rohit Sharma’s 119 off 90 balls in the second ODI against England do? It earned him enough elbow room ahead of the Champions Trophy. The India captain has a mind of his own, but even if he decides to call time on his international career after the ICC event, he will do it on his own terms.
Make no mistake, Rohit was under intense pressure. His response impressed Jos Buttler even, despite the fact that England lost the game in Cuttack and the three-match series.
“Yeah, I suppose sometimes it’s probably a nice reminder for you personally that if even Rohit Sharma can come under pressure with such a top player that he is, then maybe we should be a bit easier on ourselves,” Buttler said at the post-match press conference on Sunday. “He’s been a great player for such a long period of time and top players generally come up with the goods and he obviously did that today.”
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The England white-ball captain agreed that there was a lot to learn from Rohit’s innings. “Any time you are playing against great players and they are playing an innings like that, I’m sure players on both sides will be watching and learning,” said Buttler.
He added: “He played a brilliant innings and (showed) how he can go up and down the gears and absorb pressure. (He) put a lot of pressure back on (us).
Bethell ruled out of CT
Meanwhile, Buttler all but confirmed that young batsman Jacob Bethell has been all but ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy. “Yeah, I think I’m pretty sure he’s been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest. So that’s really disappointing for him,” the skipper said.
Bethell sustained a left hamstring injury during the ongoing ODI series. Tom Banton has been called up as cover.
Also Read: Under pressure, Rohit Sharma comes up with a diamond