India captain Rohit Sharma's long wait to return to form ended with a blistering half-century against England in the second ODI at Cuttack on Sunday, where the veteran opener entertained the crowd with his signature strokes to launch India's big chase.
India, who lead the three-match series 1-0, bowled England out for 304 after the visitors won the toss and decided to bat first in their must-win game.
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Rohit took just 30 balls to reach the half-century while batting with a positive intent, which first showed up in the second over of India's chase, when he smashed pacer Gus Atkinson for a four and six off consecutive deliveries, and deposited Saqib Mahmood in the stands for two more maximums inside the first five overs.
A faulty light tower at the stadium halted India's charge, while Rohit was firing all cylinders alongside his deputy and fellow opener Shubman Gill.
But it was business as usual upon return to the park as Rohit brought up his fifty with his fourth four, besides as many sixes. A cut off leg-spinner Adil Rashid crossed the boundary ropes, bringing loud cheers from the crowd.
Rohit had scored just two runs in the first ODI and came into this series after his previous five international innings, which was during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, had produced just 31 runs.
But the knock on Sunday should silence all Rohit doubters as the skipper looked at the top of his game and seems to be warming up nicely for the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins after this series, on February 19.
