“Role has been reversed a bit”, Rohit Sharma doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian opener Rohit Sharma had no qualms playing second fiddle to No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara in the early part of their magnificent partnership against England on the crucial Day 3 of fourth Test at the Oval. Rohit, in fact, joked about the role reversal after the close of play, as he, usually the more freeflowing batter […]
 
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“Role has been reversed a bit”, Rohit Sharma doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian opener Rohit Sharma had no qualms playing second fiddle to No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara in the early part of their magnificent partnership against England on the crucial Day 3 of fourth Test at the Oval. 

Rohit, in fact, joked about the role reversal after the close of play, as he, usually the more freeflowing batter of the two, waited for his opportunities to pounce on while watching his partner race to 35 off 50 balls at one stage. 

“You were 35 off 50 balls,” Rohit Sharma told Cheteshwar Pujara in a video shared over BCCI.tv. 

And as always, Pujara was quite humble about things. 

“It’s a good start. Thanks to you guys (referring to Rohit and his opening partner KL Rahul), because the ball was old, I could play my shots. It was slightly easier to bat,” he responded amusingly. 

“Role has been reversed a bit”, Rohit Sharma doesn’t mind playing second fiddle to Cheteshwar Pujara

 

Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara chat after a game-transforming 153-run stand 

While it was quite selfless of Pujara to mention the value of the Rohit-Rahul opening stand in easing things up for him, the stoic right-hander could afford to pat himself on the back as well for another vital knock of 61. 

When Rahul departed for a composed 46 with the score reading 83/1, India were still 16 runs behind England on the first-innings. It is then, Pujara carried the momentum that India had gained, stitching a stand of 153 runs for the second wicket with Rohit. 

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Rohit Sharma went on to make his maiden away Test hundred, a memorable 127 off 256 deliveries. His innings built on great defence and resilience, the elegant right-hander ticked off a major box in his Test career. He has been brilliant all series and now also has a big score to show for all the hard grind at the crease. 

Coming back to Pujara, this was his second half-century of the series after a valiant 91 at Headingley. And also potentially another impactful knock in a victory for the tour after his extremely critical 45 in the second innings at Lord’s. 

During their chat, Rohit told Pujara he was willing to curb his natural instincts to prolong their partnership, while Pujara found more scoring opportunities at the crease. 

“Role has been reversed a bit,” Rohit said to trigger a laugh out of Pujara. “Normally, I like to play the shots and get off on the scoreboard quickly and all that. You take time. But I am happy to have played as many as possible. I challenged myself to play as many balls as possible because runs will come and shots will come, as long as you spend time in the middle, get the feel of the conditions, bowlers and the pitch, runs will come.”

Even though Rohit and Pujara got out in the first over with the second new-ball and that brought England back in the contest, the duo still had a lot to feel pleased about their efforts as they helped India overhaul the deficit and extend the lead to 171 by stumps, with seven wickets still intact.