What Did Rohit and Iyer Debate About a Single?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rohit and Iyer's partnership was crucial for stabilizing India's innings.
- Communication on the field is vital for making quick decisions.
- Experience plays a significant role in high-pressure situations.
- India's batting struggled initially but recovered well.
- Contributions from lower-order batsmen were essential for a competitive total.
New Delhi, Oct 23 (NationPress) During India's innings in the ongoing second ODI against Australia, the stump mic captured a comical exchange between opener Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer as they built a significant 118-run partnership for the third wicket. The pair was overheard discussing whose responsibility it was to call for a single.
As Rohit nudged a delivery from Hazlewood, he promptly initiated a run, but Shreyas gestured for him to return. Confident there was a run available, Rohit stated, “Shreyas, this was a single.”
In reply, Iyer quipped, “Aap karke dekho, mereko mat bolna phir (You call, don’t blame me later).” Rohit responded, “Tere ko call dena padhega, wo saatva over daal raha hai (You will have to call first. He is bowling the seventh over).”
Iyer clarified, “Mujhe uska angle pata nahi hai. Call do na! (I don’t know his angle. Just give me the call).” Rohit countered, “Mai nahi de sakta hu ye call (I can’t),” leading Iyer to conclude with, “Saamne hai aapke (He’s right in front of you).”
Commentator Aakash Chopra reacted to their banter, stating, "This is a lesson for all garden boys. This call belonged to them. Shreyas was convinced there was no single to be taken; he clearly indicated no.
Fellow commentator Irfan Pathan added, "That's where experience becomes crucial. He has bowled seven consecutive overs. Naturally, he will be fatigued. Both players are making a comeback into the ODIs, and they might have seized a run here."
Batting first, India faced difficulties during the powerplay as Xavier Bartlett claimed two wickets in one over, dismissing Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, leaving the visitors in a precarious position at 17/2 in just 6.5 overs.
Rohit had a challenging beginning, narrowly escaping a grueling seven-over spell from Josh Hazlewood. However, he eventually found his footing, anchoring the innings with a score of 73 off 97 balls, which included nine fours and two sixes.
Iyer provided solid support with a composed 61 off 77 balls, featuring seven boundaries, as the duo shared a 118-run partnership, stabilizing the innings.
Despite Adam Zampa threatening to spark another mini-collapse, significant contributions from Axar Patel (44) and a late partnership of 37 runs between Harshit Rana (24) and Arshdeep Singh (13) ensured India secured a competitive total of 264-9.