Rohit Sharma, Team India’s leader, along with coach T Dilip, discussed the impressive fielding performance. This was a major factor in the home team’s solid 106-run victory over England. This match was the second Test in Vishakapatnam.
The Men in Blue shone with excellent fielding, making precise catches and seamless run-outs. The catches made by Rohit and KS Bharat to get rid of Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett were particularly striking. Shreyas Iyer hitting direct, driving Ben Stokes back in the last innings, marked a turning point.
“In a Test, the key thing is to maintain that momentum, intensity, and energy throughout the game. We have been fantastic, credit to the boys. The game really tilted towards us with Shreyas Iyer’s run-out, the way he moved and anticipated the shot, and getting that direct hit, especially to send back someone like Ben Stokes. Overall, I am really happy as a fielding coach because the boys have done a fantastic job.”
T Dilip
Rohit Sharma also discussed his crisp catch at slip that sent Ollie Pope back into the pavilion. The skipper had barely 0.45 seconds to react as the ball rocketed after catching the batter’s outside edge. After first moving the trigger in the opposite direction, Rohit had to make a late adjustment and only barely managed to bag the ball.
“We took some brilliant catches, and some brilliant run outs as well, game-changing run out. Of course, as a slip fielder, you are always ready for it. The idea is to just stay still and then react. It was a crucial wicket for us because Ollie Pope was somebody who was in good form. Sometimes the ball comes so quickly, that you’ve got no time to react, and no time to take your body there. So, your hand needs to be there at the right time and in the right place. I hope to take many more catches like that in this series.”
Rohit Sharma
Team India’s fielding improves significantly following a sluggish performance in the series opener in Hyderabad. Ollie Pope was dropped twice en way to a match-winning 196, but England excelled in the field.
Ben Stokes contributed with a brilliant run out to remove Ravindra Jadeja in the last innings, tipping the game in favour of the visitors.
“We want to be the best fielding team” – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma shared his goal: make India the top fielding team worldwide. Fielding is an important focus for India’s team. Improvement is seen, but perfection is yet to be achieved.
“Fielding is something we really pride ourselves. We want to be the best fielding team, the smarter fielding team.”
Rohit Sharma
Shreyas Iyer discussed his continuous fielding banter with Ben Stokes. In the second innings, England’s captain claimed a superb running catch to remove Shreyas, who repaid the favor by completing a beautiful direct hit and even imitated his counterpart’s celebration.
“You want to chip in and contribute, to see to it that you can do a piece of magic. We are even-steven in terms of him taking a brilliant catch of mine in the second innings and also the run-out. So, we are even-steven now.”
Shreyas Iyer
The third India-England Test will take place in Rajkot beginning on February 15.