XtraTime Web Desk: India begins the World Cup journey with an emphatic victory as Rohit Sharma took the matter into his own hands with a gritty century after India were dealt early blows in their World Cup 2019 opener against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday. He also became the third highest century scorer in all-time list for India behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Moreover, Rohit Sharma also became the first Indian centurion of the ongoing World Cup, which came off 128 balls. Rohit Sharma’s knock was laced with 10 boundaries and two hits over the fence as he led India’s fightback at the top of the order.
After the match winning knock, Hitman said, “Different experience from India. There was something in it for the bowlers through the game, so you had to play out the overs initially and see what the ball was doing.”
The Indian opener also confessed, “I couldn’t play my natural game. You have to take your time here. Certain shots that I like playing, I had to cut out and play close to the body, and follow the basics properly. I tried and left as many balls as possible on a pitch that was doing a bit.”
Rohit also shared the mystery behind the successful run chase, as he said, “Building partnerships were key in this chase. It was a small total, but since there was something in it for the bowlers, it was tough and we needed partnerships.”
He also made it clear that the team is not dependent on Virat Kohls, as he stated, “It’s the batsmen’s job to get the job done, whoever is out in the middle. We can’t rely on one or two individuals all the time. That’s been the hallmark of this team over the last two years – someone always puts their hand up and takes the responsibility to take the team across the line. I hope at some stage someone will put their hand up and take that challenge.”
The stylish opener also mentioned that he has been enjoying the time in England, as he said, “That’s the beauty of playing in England – we are playing a little early. We play in July/August, but this is June. The weather has been good, and overcast, so you don’t sweat too much like in India. It wasn’t a typical Rohit Sharma innings, but I had to play out the overs initially to make sure that the job is done.”
India will play Australia next on Sunday.