In the 38th over of the third ODI against Australia at Sydney, Harshit Rana dismissed Mitchell Owen, and it was Rohit’s quick thinking that set up the wicket. Just before the delivery, Rohit walked up to Rana and advised him to bowl back of a length outside off. The pacer followed the suggestion perfectly, hitting the deck hard and getting the ball to skid through with a hint of movement. Owen was caught off guard, squared up, and managed only a thick outside edge. The ball flew to first slip, where Rohit dived low to his left to complete a fine catch.
Owen departed for 1 off 4 balls, leaving Australia in deep trouble at 198 for 6 after being 195 for 4 moments earlier.
Earlier in the match, Virat Kohli took a splendid catch to dismiss Matthew Short at forward square off Washington Sundar’s bowling in the 23rd over. Before the wicket, Virat was seen discussing the field placement with captain Shubman Gill, and the very next over, the plan worked to perfection as he completed the catch. Short, who looked in good touch, scored 30 off 41 balls after making 74 off 78 in the previous ODI, which helped Australia clinch the series.
Vice captain Shreyas Iyer also pulled off a sensational tumbling catch running back from backward point to remove Alex Carey for 24.
India, who were put in to field first after losing the toss, displayed exceptional energy and coordination in the field, with Rohit leading by example through his tactical awareness and experience.