Watch: Rohit Sharma fumes at KL Rahul, Axar Patel as India’s DRS blunder gifts Joe Root a lifeline
Published - 09 Feb 2025, 03:52 PM | Updated - 09 Feb 2025, 11:36 PM
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma's decision might prove costly for the Men in Blue during the second ODI of the three-match series against England. The Indian skipper didn't take the Decision Review System (DRS) against star England batter Joe Root, which could have provided a breakthrough for the team.
England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat first in the match at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, February 9. The visiting team openers provided a flying start as they added 75 runs in the powerplay. However, the Indian bowlers managed to pick two wickets in quick succession.
Varun Chakravarthy Provides First Breakthrough for India
Debutant bowler Varun Chakravarthy made an immediate impact by dismissing Phil Salt for 26. This was Varun’s maiden wicket for India in 50-over cricket. He was initially not included in the squad but earned his spot following an impressive T20I series against England, where he took 14 wickets in five matches.
Ravindra Jadeja secured the prized scalp of Ben Duckett, who had scored a fluent 65 off 56 balls. Duckett, aggressive from the start, reached his fifty in just 37 balls. India brought Jadeja into the attack in the 16th over. Duckett looked to attack Jadeja but was dismissed after attempting a slog sweep.
Watch: Joe Root Gets a Reprieve as India Skip LBW Review
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India missed a key opportunity to dismiss Joe Root when Axar Patel's delivery struck him on the pads during the second delivery of the 25th over in England's innings.
The right-handed batter attempted a shot to a delivery outside off stump. Axar and other Indian players appealed for LBW, but umpire Chris Brown ruled it not out. Rohit Sharma decided not to review after consulting KL Rahul and Axar.
DRS later revealed that the decision would have been overturned, with three reds confirming Root was out. This missed chance could have provided India with a crucial breakthrough.
England's Middle Order Faces Challenge Against Spinners
England's middle order faced difficulties in the first ODI against India’s spinners, particularly following Ben Duckett’s dismissal. With a predominantly right-handed middle order, England struggled against spinners Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravindra Jadeja.
As the spinners were introduced, Harry Brook and Joe Root worked to steady the ship. However, Brook was dismissed by fast bowler Harshit Rana after scoring 21 off 52 balls while attempting an aggressive shot.
England are at 200/3 in 35 overs, after opting to bat first for the second consecutive game. Root (45 off 54) and Jos Buttler (22 off 20) are at the crease.
England is in a must-win situation in the second ODI after losing the first match. Shubman Gill played a match-winning knock of 87 off 96 balls, including 14 boundaries, helping India secure a four-wicket victory in the series opener in Nagpur. India took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series on home soil.
