Rohit Sharma’s captaincy choices in the ongoing Test series between India and New Zealand have come under considerable scrutiny. The Indian captain has faced criticism not only for his underwhelming form with the bat but also for some questionable on-field decisions. On Day 2 of the Mumbai Test, one of Rohit’s calls regarding India’s spin attack, involving Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, became a focal point of debate.
With the pitch at Wankhede showing significant turn, the Indian spinners were well in play. During a critical juncture, Ashwin suggested to Rohit that Jadeja should bowl from a specific end, the same one from which he had taken five wickets in the first innings. However, Rohit initially declined the suggestion, opting to stick with Jadeja’s current end. Eventually, though, he revised his decision, moving Jadeja to the recommended end — and the results were immediate.
WATCH – Ravindra Jadeja Bamboozles Matt Henry With Brilliant Spin On Day 2 At Wankhede
Jadeja made an instant impact from the new end, picking up crucial wickets, including those of Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell. His delivery to Will Young turned sharply from the middle stump, missing the edge and passing over the off-stump into Rishabh Pant’s gloves, illustrating the potent turn and bounce available from that end.
The effectiveness of this move led commentators Murali Kartik and Simon Doull to highlight the back-and-forth between Rohit and Ashwin, noting how Ashwin’s suggestion ultimately proved valuable.
WATCH – Will Young’s Frustration Boils Over After Ravichandran Ashwin’s Clever Dismissal
Murali Kartik commented during the broadcast, “Ashwin had gone up to Rohit, asking him to switch Jadeja’s end. Rohit initially dismissed it, but Jadeja’s sharp turn from his end has shown it was the right call.” Simon Doull chimed in, impressed with the ball’s pace and spin, adding, “That was pretty quick, wasn’t it?”
Did Rohit Sharma’s Decision Cost India the Advantage in the Third Test Against New Zealand?
Rohit Sharma’s Decision On Day 2 of the third test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision not to heed Ravichandran Ashwin’s advice to change the end from which Ravindra Jadeja was… pic.twitter.com/kdKd2IWG47
— Shubham (@ShubhamRanga_) November 2, 2024
Ajaj Patel literally ran through your team from that end. Ashwin is begging to apply jadeja from that end. But our fat ass kaptaan is adamant. If this doesn’t sums up his Rohit’s captaincy, don’t know what will.
It’s unbelievable how is escaping the flak he so deserves. #INDvNZ
— pseudoengineer (@pseudoer_) November 2, 2024
Ashwin wanted Jadeja to bowl from this end half an hour earlier. Rohit shot down the suggestion. Two wickets in 9 balls.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) November 2, 2024
The change paid off handsomely. Jadeja struck with a slider that took Blundell’s inside edge, knocking out his off-stump. He followed it up by dismissing Mitchell, who fell to a stunning backward catch by Ashwin, solidifying India’s control.
New Zealand ended the day at 171-9, with a lone standout performance from Will Young, whose resilient fifty kept them afloat on a challenging wicket. Jadeja once again led the bowling effort with four wickets, while Ashwin supported with three of his own. Fast bowler Akash Deep and Washington Sundar chipped in with one wicket each. Heading into Day 3, New Zealand holds a slim lead of 143 runs with one wicket left, leaving the match delicately poised.
