Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, made a jaw-dropping effort on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. The match resumed the following two days of a rain-break at the Green Park Stadium, where Jasprit Bumrah was the first bowler to be introduced to the Indian attack to get India their first wicket. After Bumrah dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim, it was time for Mohamed Siraj to dismiss the star batter Litton Das that brought India the fifth wicket of the innings. However, Siraj’s wicket could have been a tall order had it not been for the stunning one-handed effort fielded inside the 30-yard circle by the Indian captain.
Litton stepped down the wicket and even tried to aim above the inner circle of 30 yards to hit a four. But he did not know Rohit will catch it when he jumped like this and his one hand touched the ball with great focus. This was a catch even the complacent, shockingly underperforming Siraj and the other Team India stars couldn’t fathom how Rohit managed to execute.
Rohit’s own celebration was evidence of just how much he had enjoyed that catch. Shubman Gill put hands on his head in astonishment, after reacting to the catch. An astonished Siraj also first celebrated the wicket and then appeared indeed shocked.
It was the first wicket of the match for Siraj after what seemed to be an earlier account opening in his bowling during the match but was subsequently overturned after DRS was called for by Bangladesh. But it was amply clear with Rohit in attendance and grabbing the catch that no such hope of an appeal stand would be possible.
India already have a 1-0 advantage in the series after winning the first test match in Chennai by 280 runs. However, because of the rain interruptions on Day 2 and Day 3, there are very high probabilities of the match ending in a draw. In fact, on the opening day also only limited overs action was possible as 38 overs were bowled.
Only an extraordinary all-round performance from the Indian team can get the match to produce a result in Kanpur.
