Rohit Sharma not only led the Indian team, along with Virat Kohli and others, to a memorable victory in the 1st ODI at Guwahati but his gesture has also won the hearts of cricket fans from all across the globe. Rohit’s gesture during the first one-day international against Sri Lanka has reiterated the term usually associated with cricket – “Gentleman’s Game”. The incident reminded the cricket fans of MS Dhoni, who called English batsman Ian Bell to carry on with his batting after he got run out due to a misunderstanding. That happened in Nottingham in 2011.
It was the final over of the Sri Lankan innings and Mohammad Shami was bowling that over. It was the third delivery of the over when Shami deflected the bails at the non-striker’s end (where Shanaka was standing) and appealed for a run-out. The umpire went upstairs but Rohit intervened and said they are not appealing. The umpire had to withdraw since the Indian skipper did not want to go ahead with it and play resumed.
When the incident happened, Shanaka was at the non-striker’s end on 98 runs. If Rohit had supported his bowler’s appeal, Shanaka would have been declared run-out. In ICC’s latest rule book, this mode of dismissal does not interfere with the game’s spirit anymore yet, Rohit decided to go against it. A gentleman playing a gentleman’s game indeed!
During the post-match presentation, Rohit was asked why did he do that. To which Rohit replied, “He was batting on 98. The way he batted was brilliant, we cannot get him out like that. Not something that we thought off, hats off to him, he played well.”
Some might say that this was a bilateral series match and India was almost certain of a victory and it was Rohit’s glory moment. Some might ask “What if this was a World Cup crunch match?” Well, to such people, we only wish that India and Rohit Sharma do not find themselves in such a spot as this is certainly not what any diehard cricket fan would love to watch. Let’s hope it never comes to this!