ENG vs IND | We never worry about the conditions: Rohit credits bowlers for massive win

Rohit Sharma had a near-perfect day on the field as India recorded their biggest win against England in ODIs. The Indian skipper won a crucial toss, handled his bowlers well and completed the formalities with a classy knock.

The first ODI between the two cricketing powerhouses got as lop-sided as it could have been. After bowling out England for just 110 runs, Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 76 helped Indian register an astounding 10-wicket victory. 

Rohit Sharma believes the toss was crucial to win, with overcast conditions on offer. The 35-year-old lavished praise on the pacers who exploited the conditions to maximum effect and had England on the ropes early into the innings. Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes and Liam Livingstone departed without adding a run to the tally.

Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, registering career-best ODI figures of 6-19. “We never worry about the conditions because we have got the guys who can just come out and use those conditions,” said Rohit Sharma.

“There was some swing and seam up front, and we exploited them well. When you play in such conditions, you have to understand the assistance and have field placements accordingly. We knew our bowlers could swing the ball both ways and hence had that kind of field,” he added.

Shikhar and me understand each other quite well: Rohit Sharma

Shikhar Dhawan seemed to look a bit rusty out in the middle, playing his first International fixture in over four months. While Rohit Sharma was all guns blazing on one end, Shikhar Dhawan played a relatively subdued knock. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 31 off 54 balls. 

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan registered their 18th-century partnership in ODI Cricket, the joint third-most in this format. The skipper added that he has developed a great understanding with his opening partner over the years.

“Shikhar and me understand each other quite well, except for the first ball where there was that misjudgement. He is playing ODIs after a long time. We know what he brings to the table for us. Experienced player, and he has done well for us in the past in these conditions,” said Rohit.

Rohit Sharma used the hook shot to maximum effect on Tuesday, as almost 60% of his runs were scored in the square-leg and deep fine leg area. The Indian batter recognizes that the manoeuvre holds high risk but is ready to go ahead with it as long as it reaps enormous returns.

“The hook is a high-risk shot, I understand that, but as long as it comes out right, I am happy,” Rohit concluded.