“As A Slip Fielder…”: Rohit Sharma Reveals Secret Behind Stunning 0.45-Second Catch

From Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double to Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery six-wicket spell, Team India’s series-levelling win over England in the second Test in Visakhapatnam saw some brilliant individual performances. However, in the second innings, the hosts swung the match in their favour with some brilliant fielding. Shreyas Iyer affected Ben Stokes’ run-out with a direct hit, which proved to be crucial in the context of the game. There were also some stunning catches taken by the Indian players which saw England being bowled out for 292 while chasing 399.

India captain Rohit Sharma took a stunning catch to dismiss Ollie Pope, who was the difference maker in the first Test as England had taken a shock 1-0 lead in the series.

Ravichandran Ashwin bowled one from around the wicket and Pope went for a cut shot through the off side. However, he only managed a thick edge as the ball flew straight to Rohit at slip.

The Indian captain had less than half a second (0.45s) to react as the ball came at him with speed. However, Rohit showed great reflexes to pouch the ball.

Reflecting on his catch, Rohit said that it is necessary for slip fielders to ‘stay still and react’.

“As a slip fielder, you are always ready for it. Idea is to just stay still and then react. It was a crucial wicket for us because he was someone who was in good form,” Rohit said in a video uploaded by BCCI.

Rohit said that Pope’s wicket was crucial and hoped that he can take many more catches like that throughout the series.

“Sometimes the ball comes so quickly that you don’t get time to react and take your body there. So, your hands need to be there at the right time and right place. I hope to take many more in the series like that,” he added.

India won the second Test in Vizag by 106 runs to draw level in the 5-match series.

The series is now finely poised as they take a break before the third Test in Rajkot, beginning on February 15.

The England players have flown to Abu Dhabi after the second Test and will return to India before the third match.