Indian skipper Rohit Sharma once again proved why he is one of the safest hands at first slip when the spinners are operating. Rohit pulled off a stunner diving to his right to dismiss Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the Asia Cup 2023 clash to achieve the colossal feat. Rohit became the fifth Indian cricketer to complete 200 catches in international cricket.
The list is topped by current head coach Rahul Dravid (334 catches), Virat Kohli (304 catches), Mohammad Azharuddin (261 catches) and Sachin Tendulkar (256 catches).
Overall, Rohit is the 35th cricketer in the game’s history to take 200 catches in international cricket. The list is topped by former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene who has 440 catches on the international stage.
The 36-year-old has taken 51 catches in test cricket, 91 in ODIs, and 58 in T20Is. In the ongoing Asia Cup, Rohit has pulled off a few spectacular catches despite criticism over his fitness. Currently, he has the most catches (11) for India in ODI Asia Cup over the years.
Earlier, Rohit won the toss and chose to field first. Rohit made five changes to the playing XI in the inconsequential match against Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh. He handed the ODI debut cap to Tilak Varma.
“We are gonna field first. It is something we haven't done in the tournament, we haven't done it under lights so it gives us an opportunity to bat under lights. The wicket honestly has got everything for everyone. Pacers who bend their back in the daytime have also got movement and there have been assistance for the spinners. Got to be brave and play your natural game. We got to give game time to some other guys who haven't played. We have made five changes. Virat, Hardik, Siraj, Bumrah and Kuldeep are out. Tilak makes his debut. Shami and Prasidh also come in. Suryakumar also gets a game,” Rohit said after winning the toss.
Earlier in the tournament Rohit became the second-fastest to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in ODI cricket. The Mumbai-born batter also became the leading six-hitter in ODI Asia Cup history by surpassing former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi.
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