India captain Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles seem to have extended beyond his form with the bat, casting a shadow over his fielding as well. Rohit’s sharpness on the field has come under scrutiny in a series where every opportunity matters. This became especially apparent on Day 3 of the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, where he dropped a straightforward chance, handing New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips a crucial lifeline.
The missed opportunity occurred during the 55th over of New Zealand’s second innings, with Ravichandran Ashwin delivering a cleverly slowed-down ball from around the wicket. Ashwin’s control and flight beat Phillips’ defence, causing an outside edge that sped toward Rohit’s left in the slip cordon.
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Despite being in a prime position to take the catch, Rohit did not react in time, and the ball slipped between him and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, racing to the boundary. It was a ball Rohit could have easily claimed, yet by the time he moved, the opportunity had already passed, adding to India’s mounting frustrations.
This lapse was especially surprising given Rohit’s reputation as a skilled catcher, known for his composure under pressure. This recent inconsistency in the field has mirrored his struggles with the bat, as he has been unable to find the form that typically bolsters India’s lineup. His dropped catch underscored the challenges India faced as New Zealand’s lead grew, putting additional pressure on India’s bowlers to compensate for missed opportunities.
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As India fights to regain control in this Test series, Rohit’s performance—both with the bat and in the field—will be closely watched. With each missed chance potentially altering the match’s outcome, India’s skipper will need to rediscover his sharpness to inspire the team in these pivotal moments.
Rohit Sharma mdc Dropped another easy catch pic.twitter.com/9V1zK3Yr7h
— FOR GOAT ¹⁸ 🦘 (@OGVK18) October 26, 2024
