In a straightforward critique, former England batter Kevin Pietersen expressed his dissatisfaction with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s dismissal on the first day of the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam. Speaking at lunch, Pietersen didn’t mince words, deeming Rohit’s shot against debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir as ‘very lazy.’
Rohit Sharma, after a patient innings, departed for just 14 runs off 41 deliveries, giving an easy catch to Ollie Pope at leg slip. While acknowledging Rohit Sharma’s stature and popularity, Pietersen, although describing him as calm and cool, felt that the shot leading to his dismissal lacked the necessary application expected from the Indian skipper.
Kevin Pietersen noted that despite facing a young and inexperienced bowling attack on a relatively benign wicket, Rohit’s dismissal seemed unnecessarily lackadaisical.
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“It doesn’t matter who you get out to, you can get out to anybody. I think he’d be kicking himself because there were plenty of runs to be had here. On this wicket, against a very young and inexperienced bowling attack, he will be looking at his dismissal and thinking, ‘How on earth did I get myself out here?’” said Kevin Pietersen.
“That (the dismissal) was quite lazy…These guys are expansive from ball one in T20 cricket, they play so beautifully. We have not seen huge spin, massive bounce, or anything that should pose any fear in the batter’s mind,” he added.
Rohit Sharma’s dismissal was a crucial setback for India, especially as he appeared determined to rectify the batting lapses from the first Test. Debutant Shoaib Bashir capitalized on the opportunity, dismissing the well-settled Rohit Sharma with a precise delivery. England gained an early advantage as India’s cautious approach backfired against the young spinner.
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On a brighter note for India, Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the star, smashing his second Test century in the ongoing match. Currently unbeaten on 125 off 185 deliveries, Jaiswal’s aggressive innings has kept India in a competitive position at 225/3 after the second session. With the series hanging in the balance, a win in this Test is crucial for India to boost morale and level the series at 1-1.
