Rohit Sharma’s 138 vs Australia: Five shots that signified the Indian opener's talent

Rohit Sharma notched a classy 138 in the second One-Day International (ODI) of the tri-series against Australia. It was an innings that assured confidence, for he played with a sound temperament and held the innings together against an Australian attack looking to make inroads. Nishad Pai Vaidya picks five shots during Rohit’s 138, that signify the Indian opener’s talent.
 
Rohit Sharma’s innings of 138 in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) affirms the talent that he is. Keep aside the baffling inconsistency in Test cricket, this man is a world-class one-day player and this century against a good bowling attack is evidence of that. Those two double tons may not have given him as much satisfaction as this effort would have. It wasn’t all about the exuberant display, but there was a touch of responsibility to this innings that bodes well for India heading into the ICC World Cup 2015.

Since 2013, Rohit has transformed into a good opening batsman in one-day cricket. In testing conditions, he bides his time to get his eye and then unleashes his best. But, one often spots a few indiscretions with him poking tentatively at deliveries. This innings was an exception of sorts as Rohit looked a lot more assured and in control of things. From the beginning, there was an air of confidence about his batting that helped India muddle through the tough phase. Despite that air of temperance, there was that typical Rohit-like dash to this innings, with some breathtaking shots on view. Here are some key moments of his innings at Melbourne.

The loft off Pat Cummins: India had lost an early wicket with the fast bowlers working some good pace and movement. Rohit broke the shackles by lofting one down the ground off a pacy Pat Cummins. It did not seem as if he had put in all his energy, but merely timed it. The ball sailed over the ropes and fetched India a six. The ease with which Rohit played that shot to a paceman caught the eye and showed how quickly he can spot the ball.

The pull for six: Rohit is one Indian batsman who is unfazed by bounce. With the ability to pick up the length quickly, he is normally in a good position to pull them away. Having seen Starc pitch it short, Rohit was ready and used the pace to hit it over fine-leg. There was a fielder in the deep, but it went well over his head. This shot was another proof of his ability to play the short stuff. There may be the odd fish outside the off-stump, but when it comes to the short-ball, he is a lot more authoritative and comfortable.

Getting fifty with a disdainful shot: James Faulkner is also a medium-pacer, but of course slower than Starc. With a bowler of his kind, a batsman like Rohit can take more liberties. Again, the ability to spot the length came into play. Rohit danced down the track as Faulkner pulled it back a touch and sent it into the stands over long-on.

Inside-out to Glenn Maxwell: With Glenn Maxwell in play, Rohit went inside-out to loft him over cover for four. It was a shot played by many Indian batsmen, who take pride in dominating the spinner. For Rohit, it was about making that room in time and picking the spot over cover.

The fine late cut: Rohit’s talent gives him the extra time to play his shots. When Faulkner pitched it on a decent length in the later overs, Rohit watched it come through to his bat and merely guided it to the third-man boundary. What stood out in that shot was the way he played it fine. The ball was slow and Rohit waited for it and then guided it just as it passed him.

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)