Rohit Sharma slammed for ‘rash and needless’ shot after another Test failure

India captain Rohit Sharma played an inexplicable shot to get out early in the final innings of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday. Rohit was criticised by celebrated commentator Ian Smith for playing a ‘rash, needless and reckless shot’ when India needed their captain to show the way in a tricky chase of 147 on Day 3 of the Test match.
Rohit Sharma lasted only 11 deliveries in the middle after walking out to open the batting with Shubman Gill in the first session. Rohit survived a rash shot earlier in his innings when he tried to hit fast bowler Matt Henry’s bouncer into the stands. The top edge flew over the mid-on fielder.
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Rohit did not learn his lesson as he went for another pull shot in the third over against Mett Henry. The rub of green did not go the India captain’s way as New Zealand star Glenn Phillips took the catch.
“That was rash. Needless and outrageous. He had his warning when he mistimed his pull shot early on,” Ian Smith said on air.
“It was not that bad a delivery. It was short. As soon the catch was taken, Matt Henry pointed to his captain and said ‘our plan worked’,” he added.
Rohit Sharma has been more reckless than brave in the ongoing home Test season. The approach, which has been heavily scrutinised, has seen him throw his wickets away, leading to a loss of control in crucial stages of the Test matches.
Rohit ended the three-Test series with just 91 runs after six innings.
India had more bad news on Sunday as they were reduced to 29 for 5, losing their big guns cheaply inside the first hour of the day’s play. Virat Kohli was dismissed for 1 by Ajaz Patel while Shubman Gill saw his stumps uprooted after he shouldered arms.
Sarfaraz Khan avoided a King Pair, but he hit a full-toss straight into the hands of the deep fine-leg fielder. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was trying to survive the onslaught, was dismissed by off-spinner Glenn Phillips.