Knock vs Bangladesh in 2nd ODI was brave innings, one of Rohit Sharma’s best, says cricket coach Dinesh Lad Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma’s grit and determination were applauded by many as the Indian skipper came out to bat in number 9, despite having stitches and a bandage on his left thumb. He then scored a gallant 51 not out against Bangladesh in what was a must-win match for Team India. Though India fell short by 5 runs, Rohit’s batting for pain became a big talking point.
Rohit, who hit five sixes in that stroke of his, had suffered a split webbing between his thumb and forefinger while fielding in the second ODI.

India were in big trouble batting and the Indian skipper decided to come in. With his injured thumb taped up, he struggled initially but was later able to put the pain aside and shift into top gear.
The Indian skipper got India into a position where they needed 6 from the last ball. of Bangladesh Mustafizur Rahman he held his nerve and bowled a yorker to deny India the win, as the Bangla Tigers effectively won the series.
Rohit Shatrma’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad spoke to TimesofIndia. com on this particular innings by Rohit, which was the Indian skipper’s 46th ODI fifty.
“It really was a brave innings. Rohit is someone who is always hungry for a win. He would always enter the field with a winning mentality no matter who the opponent was, no matter who the bowler was. This is one of the best strokes he played in his career. He played a lot, but this one will remain special to me and all the fans. He was injured and bandaged and he didn’t care. He struggled when he got to the crease. But when your thumb or finger is hurt, you just can’t hold the bat properly forget to hit a shot. Rohit just put that pain aside and the way he bat was really commendable. He is a brave and fearless batsman. He played cricket like it should be shots. He would have won the match for India if he had received the proper support from the other side,” Lad said TimesofIndia. com in an exclusive interview

India were chasing a challenging 272 to win that match and apart from Shreyas Iyer (82) and Axar Patel (56) no one else had managed to go much. Rohit batting at number 9 took India to 252/9 after 49 overs, needing 20 from the last. In the last over Rohit bowled Mustafizur for two fours and a six. But he failed to hit a six off the last ball to carry the visitors over the line.
“Mustafizur bowled into the blockhole (last ball of the 50th over). He tried to bowl the same in previous deliveries but Rohit singled those early and hit those for six. But the last ball was right in the blockhole and Rohit didn’t Couldn’t do much,” added Lad.
Lad, who has seen Rohit up close since the Indian captain was a junior, went on to describe a similar incident when a 16-year-old Rohit led his school team to victory, despite an injury.

(TOI photo)
“Rohit was 16 then. There was a school match. He came to open the innings for Swami Vivekananda International School and was hit just above the eye by a bouncer. There was a huge swelling and he was bleeding too There were stitches too. His team were chasing and losing wickets one after another. When they were under nine, Rohit decided to come and bat,” said Lad TimesofIndia. com.
“We tried to stop Rohit but he was adamant about going out and batting. He said sir I want to go bat. I told everybody let’s not stop him. ran odd and hit some big sixes. Such a wonderful shot that was. He carried his team to victory. After the win, the guys carried him on his shoulders,” Lad recalled.
DINESH LAD RECOGNIZES ROHIT FOR DRONACHARYA AWARD
Over the years, Lad has mentored many cricketers, including the Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur. He has been mentoring cricketers in Mumbai for over 25 years. His son Siddhesh is a domestic cricketer and recently moved from Mumbai to Goa.
Dinesh Lad was recently honored with Dronacharya Award on 30th November by President Droupadi Murmu at National Sports Award 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

He accredited his wards like Rohit and Shardul for the prestigious award.
“I am a winner of Dronacharya thanks to Rohit and Shardul. These students made me. It is great to have received the award. If Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur had not performed well, I would not have received this award. I am really grateful that I could nurture these born talent”. The boy signed.