Not many had predicted a 4-1 result in India’s favour in the IND vs ENG series, especially after going down in the first Test. Yet, Rohit Sharma led five Test of rookies to an emphatic series win. India had no Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohd Shami and Rishabh Pant. Team India also missed Ravindra Jadeja for a Test. But the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan put their hands up and scripted India’s series win.
India captain Rohit Sharma was candid in a special video by his team. And in his style, he said, “Ye ladke logo ke sath bada maza aaya bhai khel ke (Really enjoyed playing with these young guys.”
Rohit Sharma: A leader of youngsitan
Rohit Sharma dedicated special praise for Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Jaiswal had a breakthrough series as he scored over 700 runs, dismantling England bowling attack. Dhruv Jurel played two crucial knocks to help India seal the series. Sarfaraz Khan made his long awaited debut and scored three half-centuries in the IND vs ENG series. Shubman Gill too found his form and played a match-winning knock in Ranchi.
“I really enjoyed playing with the youngsters. All of them are very mischievous. I knew most of them well and what their strengths are and how to they want to play the game. It was just me talking to them about how good they are and the good things they have done in the past. The way they responded to me and Rahul bhai was superb,” Rohit Sharma said.
Stump-mic super hits
Rohit Sharma was also a super hit on the stump mic. His instructions to the youngsters when he scolded Sarfaraz Khan for not wearing a helmet while fielding in short leg was a fan favourite.
“Enjoyed handling these guys. They enjoyed it as well. Kabhi kabhi bol deta hun jo mic mein pakda jata hai (I say things at times and things get caught on the stump mic). But that’s me. That’s how I am. Not to hurt anyone but to ensure they remember they have a job. I was very pleased to see everyone engaged which was absolutely brilliant. That is this whole thing is all about where I am telling them koi yaha garden mein ghoomega nahi (Nobody should roam in the garden). End of the day try and make sure to get the job done,” he said.
