India vs England 2021: Need To Be Extra Cautious And Focused During Twilight Period Of Day/Night Test, Says Rohit Sharma

Indian opener Rohit Sharma talked about the difficulties in playing in a day-night Test and batting in the twilight. This came before the third Test match between India and England to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad from February 24 onwards.

Rohit, who scored a dazzling 161 in the second Test in Chennai, was part of India’s first day-night Test held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata against Bangladesh in November 2019 but did not bat during the twilight phase. He mentioned the difficulties in doing so, saying he will be extra cautious and focused during that period.

I Need To Be “Extra Cautious And Focused” While Batting: Rohit Sharma

Coming back to the original issue of Rohit Sharma not batting in the twilight period of a day-night Test and the precautions that he needed to take, the opener admitted there are struggles and challenges of this unique format.

India had played Bangladesh in 2019 in the first-ever day-night Test match in Kolkata and won by an innings and 46 runs. India had made 347/6 declared with Virat Kohli making 136 and Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane scoring fifties. Rohit Sharma had made just 21 runs before falling to Ebadot Hossain.

“So far I have only heard that it kind of plays on a batsman’s mind. I played just one pink-ball Test against Bangladesh but didn’t get to bat at that (twilight) time when the sun was about to set but I have to try and understand what exactly happens during that time. It’s obviously a little challenging, the weather and light suddenly change. You have to be extra cautious and focused, you need to talk to yourself. All batters are aware of these challenges. We just need to be mindful of the situation and play accordingly,” the Mumbai opener said.

Concerned About The Adjustment To Lights And Surroundings In Motera, Rohit Sharma

The match will be the first one at the new Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera Ahmedabad and both teams have reached the venue and begun preparations. Speaking on the same, Rohit Sharma said that he was concerned about adjusting to the lights and surroundings while fielding in the newly-built Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera.

“Whenever you play in a new stadium, there’s always a challenge to get used to the lights. Tomorrow we will be practicing under the lights so the focus will be on getting used to those lights and seats because the seats are new and they will be shiny,” he said.

The day/night Test match will begin from February 24 onwards and will be the first one between India and England.

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