Rohit Applauds India's Bold Play in Kanpur Victory
India captain Rohit Sharma credited his team's fearless mindset for achieving a remarkable win in the rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite losing nearly two-and-a-half days to rain, India triumphed with a 2-0 series sweep, extending their lead in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.
After bowling Bangladesh out for 233 on the fourth day, Rohit set the tone with back-to-back sixes off the first two balls he faced. His intent inspired the team to take calculated risks in pursuit of a result.
"The bowlers set it up brilliantly by taking the wickets we needed. Once we came in to bat, we decided to go for the win, even if it meant the result could go either way," Rohit told bcci.tv. "It was a collective decision backed by the team and coach Gautam Gambhir. We had a clear plan and executed it, knowing it could attract criticism if it didn’t work out. Ultimately, what matters is what we believe in the dressing room."
Aggression Defined by Actions
Under Rohit's leadership, India's approach has been defined by aggression across formats, including the Kanpur Test. Explaining his philosophy, Rohit said, "For me, aggression is reflected in our actions—how we bat, bowl, and position our fielders. Despite the lost time, we stayed focused on our goal of winning."
He emphasized the importance of calmness and trust in decision-making. "Not every decision goes your way, but you need to back your judgment and experience. I rely on my instincts while being open to suggestions from teammates," he said.
Fielding Excellence: A Game-Changer
Rohit also praised India's exceptional fielding, particularly in the slips. Yashasvi Jaiswal's sharp catches, including a low grab to dismiss Zakir Hasan and a crucial effort to remove Shadman Islam, were pivotal. "We took 23 of 24 catches during the series, an outstanding result," Rohit noted. "Slip catching in India is challenging, but the players worked hard, and fielding coach T Dilip deserves credit for their preparation."
The series win showcased India’s ability to stay aggressive and adapt under challenging conditions, reinforcing their focus on prioritizing victories.
Updated on 4th October, 2024