ENG vs IND: We Need To Be Proactive When Chasing Scores of 230-240: Rohit Sharma

The opening duo of skipper Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan easily chased down the score of 111 in the first ODI at The Oval. However, in the second ODI at Lord’s, the legendary Indian top-order collapsed in English conditions while chasing 247.

With England finding some nip off the pitch, towering left-arm quick Reece Topley got right into his act, dismissing Sharma for a 10-ball duck by getting one to come in and touch the back pad, resulting in a review being burned. Topley then strangled Dhawan down the leg and gave Buttler a catch behind.

Rishabh Pant whacked a Brydon Carse full toss straight to mid-on and was out for a two-ball duck as Topley and David Willey applied pressure with their miserly spells. Willey then claimed Virat Kohli as the right-handed hitter attempted to pursue a wide delivery and gave Buttler an easy catch.

We Need To Find Ways And See If We Can Be Extra Positive While Chasing: Rohit Sharma

From 31-4 in 12.2 overs, India attempted to put up a fight. However, England extinguished it just as it began to blossom into a rescue act, handing the hosts a 100-run triumph.

After the game, Sharma requested that the batsmen adjust their thinking and think positively in order to avoid future meltdowns like the one on Thursday, mentioning the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the 2019 WC semifinal.

“Of course, it has happened for us on a few occasions now. It is something that we want to keep in mind moving forward.

“We have spoken about that a lot, it has happened not only in the 2019 World Cup, but also in the Champions Trophy, and a few other games as well where we were put under pressure and we lost wickets and we were 20 for 3 or 40 for 4.

“That is where I want the guys to change their mindset a little bit and try and see if they can be a little extra positive and try and take the game on because I know the target is small, you’re chasing 230-240.

“But obviously, is there another way that you can take when you’re chasing a target like that? Is there something different that you can do as a batting unit?” said Sharma in the post-match press conference.

This was the lowest total that was defended by a team when Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan played together in the XI.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Sachin Tendulkar Should Call Virat Kohli – Ajay Jadeja On Indian Player’s Lack Of Runs