New Delhi: In the face of inclement weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of two and a half days, India captain Rohit Sharma recognized that adopting a T20-style batting strategy was the only viable option for securing a victory. The challenge was formidable; the strategy of aggressive batting carried the risk of losing wickets swiftly, which could have tipped the scales in favor of Bangladesh, who had managed to post 233 runs in their first innings.
"We were compelled to take risks in pursuit of a result. I was cognizant of the uncertain outcome, yet prepared for it, alongside the coach and the rest of the team. It's essential to possess the courage to make such decisions and execute them. When things are going well, it appears as though success is assured, yet the situation can change rapidly when it doesn't. In such instances, there would have been a tendency for criticism to ensue regarding our decisions. However, what truly matters is the thought process within the changing room, and that is what should be valued," Rohit articulated in an interview with BCCI.TV, which was broadcast on Wednesday.
Rohit Sharma, who was the first to face the ball and scored six runs by charging down the pitch against Bangladesh's pacer Nahid Rana, elucidated the team's well-defined strategy to secure a result despite the adverse weather conditions. "It was a strategy aimed at achieving a result. The manner in which we executed it... everyone began to find solutions," Rohit elaborated.
Rohit underscored the collective determination of the team, including the head coach Gautam Gambhir, to undertake this calculated risk. He also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. Bangladesh, who resumed their innings on Day 4 with a score of 107/3, were ultimately bowled out for 233 runs, courtesy of the Indian bowlers.
"The support from the other 10 players and, of course, those within the dressing room, was indispensable. Losing two and a half days could have easily led to a loss of focus on the objective of winning this Test. However, upon our arrival on Day 4, needing 7 wickets, the bowlers set the tone. They delivered the breakthroughs we required," Rohit remarked.
Establishing the momentum for India's innings, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved the fastest 50-run opening stand in Test history, accomplishing the feat in just 18 balls. While everything seemed to be falling into place, Rohit was acutely aware of the potential consequences should their aggressive approach not succeed.
