CHENNAI: Rohit Sharma is back. He looked a bit tentative in his comeback innings, for Mumbai against Andhra in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match at SSN College, but was happy to return to action after a thigh surgery that forced him out of the Indian team last October. Rohit took 13 balls to score his first run and fell for a 33-ball 16 batting at No 4.
He tried to get a feel of the ball and had almost got into his rhythm when he fell to debutant Girinath Reddy, offering a catch behind the stumps. The Mumbai Indians captain admitted he was nervous.
“I was pretty nervous to be back on the field after four months. It felt good in the middle. Although I wanted to spend a long time there, unfortunately, it did not happen,” said Rohit after Mumbai’s 43-run win.
“I have scored runs in the past. I have had injuries and bounced back to make runs. The aim now is to see whether the body holds the load and the muscles bear the strain. Slowly, as per the physio’s advice, I want to spend time in the middle and also field for a long time to see whether I can withstand the strain. Fielding will be my real test,” said Rohit, who fielded close to 40 overs without signs of problem.
Rohit, who has two ODI double centuries as opener, explained that he batted lower because of the team combination.
“Our team is well settled. I am going to play just two games. I don’t want disturb the combination. And it’s not fair on the guy whose is batting up the order, to miss out just because of me.” He was expecting India to get better in the series against Australia.
“The last two series we played (England and New Zealand), we had turners and our batsmen did well.
We posted 500 almost every second innings. We struggled in the last game. But I can’t say we have been exposed against spin bowling. We can have one bad game. I’m sure they are going to come back.” Mumbai skipper Aditya Tare is pleased that Rohit is back where he belongs.
“He had a perfect outing. He did not complain about anything. He was enthusiastic and seemed to have recovered from his surgery. We are not worried that he failed today. He will get runs in the next game. His presence is a big boost.”
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com