‘Thoda dheere nhi khel sakta tha’ – Fans disappointed as Rohit Sharma departs after a flying start vs South Africa in 2023 ODI World Cup

Captain Rohit Sharma yet again provided a blistering start for Team India in their 2023 ODI World Cup encounter against South Africa. Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is hosting a heavyweight bout between two of the powerful units in the ongoing World Cup on Sunday, October 05. Opting to bat first, Indian openers Rohit and Shubman Gill got off to a strong start in their quest to get a huge total on the board.

The veteran opener showed his intent in the very first over by smashing a boundary off Lungi Nigidi to open his account. Rohit was in no mood to slow down his innings and continued his onslaught against the Proteas pacer. He raced to 40 runs off 22 deliveries, leaving Temba Bavuma and his bowlers clueless.

With Gill also scoring at a quick run rate from the other end, India posted 61-0 at the end of the fifth over. When things looked out of control, captain Bavuma brought in their star pacer Kagiso Rabada into the attack. He bowled three dot balls and dismissed the dangerous Rohit on the fifth ball.

Kagiso Rabada gets the big fish in his first over

The right-hander came down the pitch, trying to take on Rabada, made room and was looking to flay the ball over cover. Rohit did not the the elevation he wished for and ended up in the hands of Bavuma, who moved a bit from his position at mid-off. He departed for 40 but gave a solid start with 2 sixes and 2 fours. Rabada and the entire South African team were delighted as they got rid of the big fish.

Fans were disappointed as they expected a big score from the skipper considering his massive numbers at Eden Gardens. Rohit registered the highest ODI score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 at this venue. Given his start in today’s game and his form so far in the tournament, the 36-year-old could easily hit his second century in this World Cup. Rohit has scored 442 runs at an average of 55.25 and a strike rate of 122.77.

Here’s how fans reacted to Rohit Sharma’s innings against South Africa: 

https://twitter.com/Messiemind_/status/1721093577638641788

https://twitter.com/Aky21605104/status/1721090612055925170