India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has lauded captain Rohit Sharma for his aggressive approach with the bat, playing a pivotal role in turning around the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Morkel, who recently joined the coaching staff, credited Gautam Gambhir for formulating the plan to accelerate the game despite the rain delays, and highlighted how Rohit’s leadership was instrumental in executing it.
The Indian openers, led by Rohit, started Day 4 with an explosive display, aiming to make up for lost time after two and a half days of the match were washed out. Rohit wasted no time in signaling his intent, smashing a six off the very first ball he faced. His 23-run cameo, which came off just 11 deliveries and included three sixes and a four, set the tone for India’s innings, as the team sought a result in this crucial World Test Championship encounter.
Speaking at a press conference, Morkel explained that the team’s approach, spearheaded by Gambhir, was to push the game forward rapidly. With only two days remaining, the goal was to capitalize on every opportunity to gain an advantage.
“Gambhir’s idea was to advance the game as quickly as possible. You need a captain who can lead from the front to achieve that, and Rohit did exactly that,” Morkel stated. “To come in and hit a six off the first ball on a surface with unpredictable bounce shows his intent and courage. It also forces the bowling side on the back foot.”
Rohit’s fearless batting not only motivated his teammates but also underscored his ability to adapt to high-pressure situations. By taking on the bowlers early and displaying positive intent, Rohit showed why he’s considered one of the best leaders in world cricket.
The second Test is crucial for India’s standings in the World Test Championship cycle, and despite the challenges posed by the weather, Rohit’s leadership and the team’s aggressive mindset have kept India’s hopes alive.
The Indian skipper’s bold approach has been praised by both the coaching staff and fans alike, as India pushes to get a result from the match with only limited time left. Morkel emphasized the importance of having a captain like Rohit, who can lead by example and set the stage for the rest of the team to follow.
As India continues its campaign in the Test series
