Rohit Sharma’s return became unforgettable as the Indian captain, exploded on Shubman Gill in frustation during the first T20 match against Afghanistan.
Table of Contents
WATCH VIDEO
After leading Team India in T20 Internationals for the first time in 14 months since Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Rohit Sharma began the series in Mohali with alongside his partner-in-crime, Shubman Gill.
In the initial overs of the Indian innings, after Fazalhaq Farooqi played a dot ball in the first over, Rohit Sharma came down the track and pushed the ball towards mid-off. Apart from a spectator on the non-striker’s end, Gill seemed unaware of Rohit’s quick single as the Indian opener sprinted to complete the run, catching Gill off guard. Gill made an attempt to send Rohit back, but by the time the Indian opener already made the mind for single.
‘When such things happen, you feel disappointed’- Rohit Sharma:
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony after getting out cheaply against Afghanistan in the early stages of the series, Rohit Sharma smiled when asked about his dismissal. “These things happen (run-out). When it happens, you feel disappointed; you want to stay there and score runs for the team. Everything doesn’t go according to your plan. We won the game, which is more important. I wanted Gill to carry on; unfortunately, after playing a very good short innings, he got out,” Rohit Sharma said.
Shining comeback for Rohit Sharma and Shivam Dube In his comeback match in Mohali, the 36-year-old player was dismissed for a duck on just two balls. However, India secured an easy victory against Afghanistan as all-rounder Shivam Dube played a quick inning. Dube remained unbeaten, scoring 60 runs off 40 balls, helping India achieve the target of 159 runs in 17.3 overs. Gill (23), Tilak Varma (26), and Jitesh Sharma (31) also made significant contributions with the bat for the host team. Dube was chosen as the Player of the Match for his second half-century and taking a wicket.
What Rohit Sharma said about the match-winner Dube: “A lot of positives. The way Shivam Dube, Jitesh, Tilak batted, and then Rinku is also in good form. We want to keep trying different things – have our bowlers bowl in different situations, as you saw today, Varun threw the 19th over. We want to challenge ourselves in areas where we are a bit uncomfortable, and the bowlers are not used to it. We would like to put some work into such areas. Keeping all those things in mind, we’ll try to do whatever is possible, but not at the cost of the game,” Rohit said.
‘If Dhoni rates me highly, how can I not play well’:
Shivam Dube after the match-winning show against Afghanistan
Shivam Dube after the match-winning show against Afghanistan:: After winning the match against Afghanistan, Shivam Dube credited MS Dhoni for his guidance. “”If a player receives a commendation from MS Dhoni, it becomes almost inevitable for them to carve out a path to success.
” Shivam Dube is the latest addition to the long list of talented youngsters endorsed by the legendary cricketer, who has achieved a significant position for India. The lanky all-rounder from Mumbai was on the selectors’ radar since 2019, but due to some poor performances with the bat, he slipped down the pecking order.
A crucial turning point came when he was picked by Chennai Super Kings for ₹4 crores in the mega auction of IPL 2022, on the same day he became a father. With a strike rate of 156.22 during that season, Dube had an outstanding performance. However, real success came the following year.
Known for his big hits, the left-handed batsman hit 35 sixes in 16 matches for CSK in IPL 2023, finishing with a strike rate of 158 and 418 runs. Dube made a quick comeback. However, despite returning to the T20I team, he did not get as many opportunities as expected. He played only five matches – two in Ireland and three in Hong Kong during the Asian Games in 2023 – because several first-XI cricketers were either unavailable or resting.
Selected for the home series against Australia after the World Cup, Dube did not get a chance to play any matches. He was surprisingly dropped from the squad after the South Africa tour. But when India sought a backup for the injured Hardik Pandya, Dube got another opportunity. He was named in the Indian team for the three-match series against Afghanistan, and more importantly, he got a chance to play the first match. “
