Rohit's century a confidence booster ahead of Champions Trophy: Jadeja
What's the story
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has praised Rohit Sharma's brilliant century in the second ODI against England, calling it a huge morale booster for the captain and the team. The feat comes just days ahead of the Champions Trophy. On Sunday, Sharma's 32nd ODI hundred helped India clinch the series with a four-wicket win at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Match highlights
Sharma's performance secures series win for India
Sharma scored a phenomenal 119 runs, laced with 12 fours and seven sixes, as India chased down a difficult target of 305 with more than five overs to spare. His innings not only sealed the series for India but also earned him the Player of the Match award. This win comes after India's brilliant performance in the T20Is and continues their dominance in the 50-over format.
Preparation strategy
Jadeja credits domestic matches for his form
Jadeja, who claimed three wickets in both Nagpur and Cuttack matches, credited his participation in domestic matches for helping him get back to form for the series. He had earlier played for Saurashtra in their Ranji Trophy matches against Assam and Delhi. "Playing the domestic matches helped as the number of overs I sent down helped me get into rhythm," Jadeja said.
Team spirit
Team's unwavering support for Sharma amid criticism
Despite the criticism, Sharma's teammates stood by him, believing their captain was just one good performance away from being back to his best. Jadeja stressed there was never any panic in the group. "The entire world may be behind him but in our dressing room, there was no such atmosphere," Jadeja said at the post-match media interaction.
Record achievement
Sharma's century silences critics, boosts team morale
Sharma's century was a resounding statement that silenced his critics and boosted team morale ahead of the Champions Trophy. It was his first ODI century since he scored a hundred against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, and first in international cricket since his knock of 103 against England in Dharamsala last year. In ODIs, only Virat Kohli (50) and Sachin Tendulkar (49) have scored more centuries than him.