India's final T20I series before T20 World Cup 2024 began on a positive note for Team India with the hosts beating Afghanistan by 6 wickets in the first of the three-match series at the IS Bindra Punjab Cricket Association in Mohali. While India won the toss and elected to field first, good bowling performance led by Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar who took two wickets apiece meant India were able to keep the Afghans down to 158/5 in their 20 overs on a good batting surface.
However, India were off to a disastrous start in the run chase. Captain Rohit Sharma, who was playing his first T20I since the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal against England, got out for a 2-ball duck. The India opener got run out after a huge mix up with Shubman Gill. Both the batters ended up at the same end after Rohit ended up running but Gill did not even leave his ground. As Rohit walked back after getting out, he appeared angry at Gill. However, by the end of the match, it was all okay as he himself clarified at the post-match presentation.
Take a look at Rohit fuming at Gill here:
When It (Run Out) Happens You Feel Frustrated: Rohit Sharma
While Rohit admitted that he was frustrated at that moment, he did mention that things like these happen in sport. He also hailed Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh as big positives from this game but said that they will focus on trying out different things in the remaining two T20Is.
"Honestly these things happen. When it happens you feel frustrated because you want to be out there and score runs for your team. Wanted Gill to carry on. He played a good innings but got out," Rohit said.
"Lot of positives - Shivam Dube, the way Jitesh batted, Tilak as well and obviously Rinku. (Next game?) Want to try a few things. Want to make the bowlers do a few different things. Like how Washy bowled the 19th today. Keeping those things in mind, we'll try to do different things. But not at the cost of winning," he added.