The Decision Review System (DRS) has always been a hit and miss for Team India especially after MS Dhoni retired from international cricket. While the South Africa tour saw the technology go against India on numerous occasions, it was a different ball game against West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad as three decisions were successfully challenged by Rohit Sharma. After the success with technology, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, lamented the DRS as 'Rohit’s System' while freshening the memories of Dhoni, who was a master in using the DRS.
“When Dhoni was there I used to call it the Dhoni Referral System. And I mentioned it in commentary that you can now call it the Rohit system because he is getting it absolutely right so far,” Gavaskar said in the innings break show on Star Sports.
The first incident took place in the 12th over when Darren Bravo was adjudged not out by the on-field umpire but was successfully challenged by India. The next incident was a milestone moment for India bowler Yuzvendra Chahal, as he challenged the decision against Nicholas Pooran in the 20th over to earn his 100th ODI wicket. Finally, in the 22nd over, former captain Virat Kohli urged Rohit to take the review as he thought the ball had brushed Shamarh Brooks' bat on its way to the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
While Gavaskar was full of praise for Rohit, he also highlighted the importance of Pant in the process and stated they play an important role in challenging the call. The former India captain drafted a reputation of making successful use of the technology, while the DRS abbreviation was read as ‘Dhoni Review System’.
“There will be situations where you will be getting it wrong but it is the wicketkeeper who plays the crucial role here because he is going to guide you here as to where the ball was pitched. If the ball hits the pads, below the knee roll or above then the bowler comes in. Otherwise, it is the wicketkeeper who plays a crucial role,” the 72-year-old asserted.
It turned out to be a successful outing for Rohit and co. in the first ODI as they ran out winners by six wickets. This also marked a successful start of Rohit's reign as permanent ODI captain, after he missed the South Africa series and ended up scoring 60 runs off 51 deliveries which compromised 10 fours and one six at a strike rate of 117. For the visitors though, it was back to the drawing boards as they focus on the second ODI in three days.
