Watch: Team India Captain Rohit Sharma Outfoxed By Debutant Shoaib Bashir In Early Blow For India
After winning the toss, India chose to bat and faced an early hiccup as they lost their captain, Rohit Sharma, to a debutant’s brilliance on the field on Day 1 of the second Test match in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Shoaib Bashir, playing his first international Test match, seized a memorable maiden wicket by dismissing one of cricket’s most formidable batsmen, thereby marking a commendable entry into international cricket.
The match, which saw India getting off to a steady start, witnessed a moment of excellence in the 18th over when debutant Shoaib Bashir, with his exceptional off-spin, delivered a ball that would become the highlight of the morning session. The delivery, pitched outside the off-stump, spun in sharply, catching Rohit off-guard.
Attempting to work the ball away, Rohit was taken aback by the unexpected pace and turn, leading to an inside edge that flew towards the backward square leg. Ollie Pope, positioned perfectly, did not miss the opportunity to take a sharp catch, thus ending Rohit’s innings at 14 runs off 41 balls.
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This dismissal further highlighted the Indian skipper’s ongoing struggle in the Test format, as he was unable to convert a cautious start into a significant score, continuing a disappointing run of form with the bat.