In the first T20I clash between India and Afghanistan, the unexpected run-out of Rohit Sharma sent ripples through the cricketing world. Former Indian cricketer turned commentator, Aakash Chopra, delved into the aftermath of this incident, suggesting that Shubman Gill’s regret over being responsible for Rohit Sharma‘s dismissal might have played a role in Gill’s own subsequent dismissal.
Afghanistan had set a target of 159 runs for India, and despite the early setback of Rohit Sharma’s run-out for a duck, the hosts secured a comfortable six-wicket victory. Aakash Chopra, in a video shared on his YouTube channel, expressed surprise at Shubman Gill’s dismissal, stating that Gill seemed to have regretted his involvement in Rohit’s run-out, which might have affected his mindset.
Shubman Gill threw his wicket away after the dismissal of Rohit Sharma- Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra was seen speaking on his You Tube channel and was quite surprised the way how Rohit Sharma got run out where there was massive confusion with him & Shubman Gill. Rohit Sharma was back into the T20I national team after the T20 WC 2022 as the batter was rested in order to manage the workload.
“I was surprised with the way Shubman Gill got out because he doesn’t get out like that. He was probably regretting that he had mistakenly gotten Rohit out, and then he threw his wicket away. It was a bad shot,” – said Aakash Chopra
The former India opener emphasized that under normal circumstances, Gill wouldn’t have taken such an overaggressive approach. He believed that Gill, recognizing the pitch’s flat nature and the manageable target, might have played a steadier innings for a potential match-winning contribution.
Gill had initially shown promise, striking two fours off the first four balls of Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s second over. However, a mistimed attempt to dance down the track on the fifth delivery led to his stumping, concluding his innings at 23 runs from 12 balls. Chopra also addressed Rohit Sharma’s visible displeasure after being run out due to a mix-up with Gill. He supported Sharma’s reaction, stating,
“Rohit Sharma was visibly upset, rightfully so, because it was his call and his problem. The striker is expected to make the call when the ball is in front of him, and Gill’s failure to respond appropriately justified Rohit’s frustration,” he added.
While acknowledging the possibility of questions regarding Gill’s decision to leave the crease, Chopra argued that such choices are instinctive and can’t be judged morally. He highlighted that players, including Gill, are often playing for their places in the side, which influences their decisions on the field.
The incident not only stirred the emotions of fans but also provided insights into the mental dynamics of players under pressure. As the T20 series between India and Afghanistan unfolds, all eyes will be on how players like Shubman Gill respond to both on-field challenges and the mental aspects of the game.