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'One Or Two Knocks Not Going To..,' Rohit Sharma Takes Dig At Critics After Century In 2nd ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit played a magnificent knock in 2nd ODI [Source: AP]Rohit played a magnificent knock in 2nd ODI [Source: AP]

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Rohit Sharma silenced his critics with a breathtaking century as India clinched a thrilling four-wicket win over England in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. 

The Indian skipper's explosive 119 off 90 balls was the cornerstone of India's successful 305-run chase, supported by key contributions from Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel.

Rohit's Response To Critics

Rohit's form had been under scrutiny leading up to the match, but the 37-year-old delivered a captain's knock as India's leader. Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI, Rohit addressed the doubts surrounding his form, emphasising his experience and clarity in approach.

“This is what I am talking about, man. I mean, look… When people have played for a number of years and scored so many runs over the years, okay, that means something. I’ve played this game for a long time now, and I understand what is required of me. So, it’s just about going out there and doing your thing, and this was what I did today; it was one of my things," Rohit said.

His knock, decorated with 12 fours and seven sixes, put India in command from the start. Gill and Axar Patel also contributed with the bat, effectively making light work of England's bowling attack and chasing down the target seamlessly. 

Rohit Opens Up On Mindset Behind Match-Defining Knock

Reflecting on his performance in Cuttack, Rohit stressed the importance of trusting his game and enjoying the sport.

“In my mind, it was just about doing the things that I do, bat the way I do, try to bat the way I do. Like I said, I’ve been here long enough, so one or two knocks is not going to change my mind. But… just another day in the office," Rohit stated.

Rohit Sharma further opened up about what goes on in his mind every time he enters the field to bat. Despite his series of slump, he admitted that he remained optimistic.

“We need to do our job, okay? Our job is to just go out there and play the game. As long as you go out there and you know that today when you go to bed, you know that you’ve given your best. That is what matters. Every time I walk onto the pitch, walk on to play the game, I want to try and do well. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it may not happen. As long as I am clear about what I want to do, that’s all that matters,” Rohit concluded.

Rohit Dominates English Camp

Meanwhile, from the English camp, England's bowlers struggled to contain India's batting onslaught. Jamie Overton led the attack with two wickets, but the rest of the bowling unit failed to build pressure. Defending 304, England needed breakthroughs at regular intervals, but Rohit’s dominance left them searching for answers.