Dinesh Karthik lauds injured Rohit Sharma for his fighting knock against Bangladesh in 2nd ODI

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has applauded Rohit Sharma for his fighting knock against Bangladesh in the second ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday, December 7.

The 37-year-old said that the Indian skipper’s brave move showed what it means for him to represent the nation and lead from the front. He also added that, overall, Bangladesh was a better side and therefore they won the series. 

“It was so courageous and good of him. So good to see him on screen. He’s the captain and showed what it means for him to play for the country and lead from the front. Very valiant effort, but, in the end, the better team won the series,” said Dinesh Karthik while speaking to Cricbuzz.

Rohit Sharma's heroic innings of 51* in vain

The third and final ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Saturday, December 10 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. The fans will not see the likes of Rohit, Kuldeep Sen, and Deepak Chahar because of their respective injuries. Sen was sidelined in the last match due to back stiffness after the first ODI while Chahar pulled a hamstring during the match because of which he was not able to complete his spell. 

The Men in Blue skipper injured his left thumb while fielding at the slips in the fourth ball of the second over  bowled by Mohammad Siraj. He left the field immediately for medical attention. In his absence, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli opened the innings to face the Bangladesh bowlers. 

Later in the 43rd over, Rohit came out to bat at number nine and scored a fantastic unbeaten knock of 51 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of above 182 with three fours and five sixes. He almost took India to victory single-handedly before Mustafizur Rahman’s yorker on the final delivery prevented Rohit from getting the last ball six.  The hosts, as a result, won by five runs.