'Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Not Huge Losses': MASSIVE Claim Made After India Salvage Draw In 4th Test Vs ENG
Photo : AP
India provided a stunning show of grit and determination during the 4th Test of the five-match series vs England at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester when they snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat. The series now stands 2-1 in favour of England, as India need to win the final Test in order to ensure a 2-2 series draw. Many had worries about how the young Indian team under new captain Shubman Gill would fare, especially in his first assignment as skipper, and the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has openly stated that India have moved on from both the stalwarts.
Speaking to JioStar after the end of the 4th Test, Sanjay Manjrekar said that Rohit Sharma was averaging 10 in the last two Test series while Virat Kohli was averaging 30 in the last five years. Hence, even though their retirements meant a loss of two very senior players, it did not mean a significant loss in batting contributions.
“Rohit Sharma was averaging 10 in the last two series that he played and Virat Kohli was averaging 30 in the last five years. So they were perhaps not easy to replace, but it wasn’t like it was a huge loss," Manjrekar said.
“It was a loss of two very senior players, but not a loss of contribution, because they weren’t contributing as much," he added.
India Play Out Fighting Draw Vs England
Being put in to bat first after losing the toss, India scored 358 in the first innings before being bundled out. Sai Sudharsan top-scored with 61, while Rishabh Pant made played a valiant knock of 54 with a broken toe. Ben Stokes starred with the ball, taking a five-wicket haul.
England, in the second innings, were at their dominant best. They slammed 669 runs batting for almost two days. Joe Root top scored with 150, while Ben Stokes also scored his first century of the series, slamming 141. They thus secured a 311-run lead.
India were reeling at 0/2 in the first over in the third innings, before KL Rahul and Shubman Gill held fort with a 188-run stand. Rahul got out for 90, while Gill slammed 103, his fourth century of the series. After both batters were dismissed, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja weathered the storm of the English bowlers in the fifth day till the last ball of play, as both scored tons. Thus, India played out a fighting draw.
