India vs Australia: Rohit Sharma’s incredible record in Nagpur is a matter to ponder for visitors

After a thumping victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad by six wickets, India are now scheduled to lock horns with Aaron Finch’s Australia for the second ODI in Nagpur on Tuesday, March 5. At the Vidarbha Association Cricket Stadium, the Men in Blue have a decent record, having played five ODIs out of which they emerged victorious in three of them.

Moreover, they have an unbeaten record against the Aussies at the very venue after winning in 2009, 2013 and 2017 respectively. All three victories were convincing- 99 runs, six wickets and seven wickets. Therefore, ahead of the second encounter tomorrow, India can be deemed as the favourites, also bearing in mind their recent form in the 50-overs format.

Ominous signs for Australia

In the meantime, the visiting team has more reasons to worry as Nagpur has been a happy hunting ground for the dependable Rohit Sharma. Co-incidentally Nagpur is also Sharma’s birthplace. In the ground, the 31-year-old top order batsman has played only a couple of ODIs, both against Australia and has churned out 204 runs at an incredible average of 102.

In 2013, he played his first game where he racked up 79 runs. In 2017, Rohit tormented the Aussie bowlers to score 125 runs. The inning also helped him bag the Player of the Match award. As far as the ongoing international fixtures are concerned, Rohit hasn’t quite been at his fluent best. The right-handed batter flattered to deceive in the two-match T20I series.

In the opening match, he tried to put his head down and notched a patiently-compiled knock of 37 runs from 67 balls with five boundaries. He also cobbled together a useful stand of 76 runs with Indian captain Virat Kohli. Just when Rohit tried to press the accelerator, fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile accounted for his wicket in the 21st over, much to Australia’s relief.

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