There is nothing more enjoyable to watch in limited-overs cricket than Rohit Sharma in form. And when that Rohit Sharma in form shows a bit of character and game awareness as well, that enjoyment level goes up a few notches.
On a green OK-this-is-Pune-waiting-to-happen-again wicket, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina played poor shots to get out and put India in a spot of bother. But then came the calm, cool and collected Rohit, smashing every bad ball that was presented by Bangladesh in this opening match of the 2015 Asia Cup T20 in Mirpur, and making sure he stayed at the crease for as long as possible.
Yes, the India opener was dropped on 21 by Shakib Al Hasan, but then that was pretty much Rohit's only mistake in the entire, pulsating innings of 83 (55b, 7x4, 3x6). Indeed, after that reprieve, Rohit smashed Taskin Ahmed for a four, six and a four in the next three balls.
From there, the momentum swung India's way, and with Hardik Pandya showing his importance to this team in the T20 format, India made merry.
This India innings was all about Rohit, though. Just the manner in which he remained calm at one end, while the likes Kohli and Raina lost theirs at the other. Instead of looking to hit every ball for a boundary, much like Kohli and Raina attempted, Rohit took his time, initially, did not panic even when the run rate was well below six, knowing full well the longer he stayed, the more his and India's chances of scoring the necessary runs.
As the dew came into play, India's batting chances grew, and Rohit found that smash-bang groove with utter ease. From 21 in 28 balls, Rohit danced, caressed, smashed, drove and lofted his way to 35 from 31, and then 43 from 35 and then 72 from 45, courtesy a six and a couple of fours off the Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, before finally falling for a beautifully compiled 83.
By the time Rohit fell, in the final over, India had already produced a score above par on this green wicket, and thanks mainly to their limited-over behemoth.
Watch Rohit's special innings HERE
