Watch: Rohit Sharma’s fifty ends in disbelief; Video goes viral

New Zealand's Ajaz Patel provided the breakthrough by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal, and then claimed a big wicket in the form of India skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit, after scoring a much-needed half-century, was bowled by Patel in a moment that has since gone viral. The dismissal came during Day 3 of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, as India chases a steep New Zealand lead of 356 runs.

Ajaz Patel breaks India’s opening partnership

New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel gave his team their first breakthrough of the innings by removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 35. After Jaiswal’s dismissal, India’s captain Rohit Sharma was joined by Virat Kohli at the crease as India aimed for a strong partnership in response to New Zealand’s massive total of 402. Rachin Ravindra played a key role in propelling New Zealand's score, hammering a brilliant 134 runs, while Devon Conway added 91. Tim Southee also contributed a useful 65 runs lower down the order. India’s bowlers did their best, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja taking three wickets each, while Siraj, Bumrah, and Ashwin chipped in with key wickets.

India, having been bundled out for just 46 in their first innings, faced a monumental task. As New Zealand piled on the runs, the hosts desperately needed a strong batting response from their top order.

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Rohit Sharma’s viral Dismissal after a gritty fifty

Just when India started showing signs of recovery, captain Rohit Sharma hit a much-needed half-century. The opener had struggled with form in recent matches, but finally redeemed himself by smashing a powerful fifty, including a boundary off Matt Henry that brought up the milestone in 59 balls. His fans were elated, and hopes for an Indian comeback were high.

Rohit Sharma Dismissal 🥹💔#INDvNZ #RohitSharma𓃵 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/C2RLoLnu0R

— Ravi 🧡🧡 (@ravi95094) October 18, 2024

Rohit Sharma played a brilliant half-century in the second innings against New Zealand.

Was a bit unlucky and the way he got out was sad. This match is taking place in Chennaswamy, Bangalore.#TestAtHome #INDvNZ #RohitSharma𓃵 pic.twitter.com/WgQ2dFeML4

— Vishal Pandey (@Vishal_aawaj) October 18, 2024

 

However, Rohit’s joy was short-lived as Ajaz Patel struck again, dismissing him shortly after his half-century. In a disappointing moment for both Rohit and India, the skipper was bowled by a length delivery from Patel that straightened just enough to hit the stumps. Rohit, who thought he had played a solid forward defense, stood in disbelief as the ball rolled off his bat’s inner edge onto the stumps. His reaction of disappointment was captured on camera and quickly went viral across social media platforms, leaving fans heartbroken. Patel’s second breakthrough left India two wickets down, with New Zealand firmly in control.

With Virat Kohli at the crease, India will now be looking for a resilient partnership to fight back from their position of vulnerability, but New Zealand remains in command of the match as they hold a 356-run lead.