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Team India emphatically sealed the five-match Test series against England with a dominant innings and 64-run victory at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday. This emphatic win came after a shaky start, where India found themselves trailing 0-1 after the first Test.
Captain Rohit Sharma’s Redemption Arc:
Following the first Test loss, questions swirled around
Rohit Sharma‘s form and captaincy, especially after scores of 24, 39, 14, and 13 in the opening two matches. Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott even declared that Rohit has past his prime. However, the 36-year-old Indian skipper staged a remarkable comeback, silencing his critics with centuries in Rajkot (131) and Dharamsala (103).
Retirement on His Own Terms:
After the series win, Rohit addressed the media and spoke candidly about his retirement plans. He stated that he would retire without hesitation if he ever felt he wasn’t good enough to compete at the highest level. However, he emphasized that he currently feels he’s playing the best cricket of his career.
“One day, when I wake up and feel I am not good enough, then I will retire straightaway. But in the last few years, I am playing the best cricket of my life,” Rohit said after the match.
Nurturing Young Talent:
Rohit also praised the contributions of young players who stepped up in the absence of senior stars like Mohammed Shami and Virat Kohli. He stressed the importance of nurturing young talent and helping them understand the complexities of Test cricket. He commended the youngsters’ ability to handle pressure situations and contribute to the team’s success.
“When you win a Test, everything has to fall into place. Lot of things we did right through the match. [Absent stars] At some stage, people are going to go, we know that. All these guys are short on experience but they’ve played a lot of cricket. We have got to nurture them and make them understand the game,” Rohit added.
Also READ: IND vs ENG – India’s head coach Rahul Dravid picks the ‘standout moment’ of the series
Bowling Attack Deserves Credit:
While the focus may be on India’s batting resurgence, Rohit acknowledged the crucial role played by the bowling attack. He highlighted how all the bowlers stepped up and took wickets consistently, proving their ability to win Test matches.
“When put under pressure they responded pretty well. Credit goes to the entire team for that. We talk about scoring runs, but it is as important to take 20 wickets to win the Test match. Everyone, all the bowlers came and responded. They wanted to make a difference with the ball in hand,” the Indian skipper concluded.
India’s emphatic series victory over England marks a significant turnaround and underlines Rohit’s unwavering leadership. His return to form and his commitment to grooming young talent bode well for India’s future in Test cricket.
