Rohit Sharma Returns to Form, Helps India Clinch ODI Series: India clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against England after a commanding four-wicket victory in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a scintillating century, guiding the hosts to chase down a challenging target of 305 with ease. The win was a testament to India’s batting depth and resilience, despite a brief interruption caused by a floodlight failure during their innings.
England’s Strong Start Falters in the Death Overs
Opting to bat first, England got off to a flying start, thanks to a blistering 81-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Phil Salt. Duckett, in particular, was in sublime touch, racing to a 36-ball fifty. However, Ravindra Jadeja struck in his first over to remove Duckett, halting England’s momentum momentarily. Joe Root and Jos Buttler then steadied the innings, with Root crafting a composed 69 and Buttler contributing a brisk 34. At 219-3 in the 39th over, England looked set to post a mammoth total.
But India’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback in the death overs. Jadeja was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 3-35, while also contributing with a sharp catch and a direct hit to run out Adil Rashid. England lost wickets in clusters, slipping from a strong position to 272-7 in the 48th over. Liam Livingstone’s late cameo of 41 off 32 balls ensured England crossed the 300-run mark, but they were eventually bowled out for 304 with one ball remaining.
Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass Seals the Chase
India’s chase began in emphatic fashion, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on a 136-run opening stand. Rohit, who had been struggling for form in recent matches, announced his return with a flurry of boundaries. He reached his fifty in just 30 balls and continued to dominate the English bowlers, eventually bringing up his 32nd ODI century in style by smashing Rashid for a six. His innings of 119 off 90 balls, studded with 12 fours and 7 sixes, was the cornerstone of India’s successful chase.
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Gill played a fluent supporting role, scoring 60 off 72 balls before being dismissed by Jamie Overton. Despite losing Virat Kohli cheaply, Rohit’s relentless assault kept India firmly in control. Even after Rohit’s dismissal, courtesy of a stunning catch by Rashid, India’s middle order ensured there were no hiccups. Shreyas Iyer’s 44 and Axar Patel’s unbeaten 41 saw the hosts home with 5.3 overs to spare.
England’s Concerns and India’s Momentum
For England, the defeat highlighted concerns in their bowling attack, which struggled to contain Rohit and the Indian batsmen. The absence of Jacob Bethell due to a hamstring injury further weakened their side, casting doubts over his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Tom Banton has been drafted in as cover, but England will need to regroup quickly for the final ODI in Ahmedabad.
India, on the other hand, will be buoyed by Rohit’s return to form and the team’s all-round performance. With the series already in the bag, they will look to complete a clean sweep and carry the momentum into future assignments.
The teams now head to Ahmedabad for the third and final ODI on Wednesday. India will aim to cap off a dominant series, while England will be eager to salvage some pride. After a comprehensive 4-1 victory in the preceding T20 series, India have firmly established their supremacy over England in this tour.
