We did not stand up to pressure, says Rohit
SYDNEY: Rohit Sharma’s disappointment was apparent after his fourth one-day century in Australia too ended in defeat at the SCG on Saturday, but was not too pleased with India’s inability to kick on after losing the first three wickets within four overs.
Skipper Virat Kohli’s dismissal for three added pressure chasing 289 on a pitch that was a touch slow, and despite Rohit Sharma’s anchoring 133 that lasted into the 46th over, it also met the fate of his 138 (MCG, 2015), 171* (Perth, 2016), 124 (Brisbane, 2016).
“The thought was to build partnerships because the wicket was still playing good,” Rohit told reporters after the loss. “Unfortunately, we kept losing wickets, the first three wickets and then when we were going strong, MS (Dhoni) got out.”
“These are the games that will teach you a lot as batsman. You will be put under pressure and there will be times when you have to combat these kind of games where you will lose wickets, and then what you do after that (is the key),” he said.
But Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik fell cheaply, The first time Kohli was dismissed in the first 5 overs of an ODI since the 2017 Champions Trophy.
wickets were lost by India in the first four overs. The last time that happened in an ODI was January 2010, against Sri Lanka.
The last time MS Dhoni was at the crease in the first 5 overs of an ODI was against England in January 2017.
India’s lowest scoring Powerplay 1 since the 11-3 vs Sri Lanka in Dharamshala, December 2017.
rpo (runs per over) was the rate at which MS Dhoni's attacking strokes scored in ODIS in 2013. In 2018, it was 7.43 rpo. Dhoni’s execution has got worse over the seasons.
Since the Champions Trophy in 2017, 18 batsmen have faced 1,000+ deliveries whilst batting in the top six. None have scored more slowly than the 4.37 rpo managed by Dhoni.
In the last decade, only two Indian individual ODI innings of 96 balls or longer have been slower than Dhoni's today. One was Rayudu against Zimbabwe in 2016 (3.1rpo), and the other was Dhoni himself against the West Indies in 2017. ROHIT ON MS DHONI’S BATTING POSITION which left a gaping hole in the middle-order, with MS Dhoni’s 96-ball 51 proving too slow in the end despite his reviving the innings with a 137-run stand with Rohit.
“We’ve said enough about learning, it is time to go out and execute. Take the pressure, absorb it and take it forward. International cricket is all about absorbing pressure. Today was the perfect example, we were put under pressure and we were not able to absorb pressure.”
Howeve r , h e d e f e n d e d Dhoni’s strike rate of 53, saying the situation forced them to MS Dhoni grind it out. “Personally I feel his batting at No 4 will be ideal for the team, but we have Rayudu who has done well at No 4. It totally depends on what the captain and coach think.”
Australia owed it to Jhys Richardson’s brilliant seam bowling. Rohit wasn’t one of his four victims, but was effusive in his praise. “He looks a great prospect. He has got great variations. When you have those skills, the job of the captain also becomes easier. He bowled pretty well with the new ball and the old ball. To have that skill is exciting.”