Cricket fans were left stunned as India’s approach on Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston raised eyebrows, with many questioning Rohit Sharma’s bold but baffling tactics that may have handed England the upper hand. As England’s batters piled on runs in seemingly perfect batting conditions, social media erupted with criticism of Rohit’s decisions, sparking a heated debate over whether the Indian captain’s risky moves have put his team in serious jeopardy.
The most controversial call came early in the morning session, when Rohit opted to start the day with part-time spinner Hanuma Vihari instead of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj. England’s openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley feasted on loose deliveries, racing past fifty in just 10 overs. The decision left commentators puzzled, with former England skipper Michael Vaughan saying, “I can’t understand India’s strategy. You’ve got one of the world’s best pace attacks, yet you open with spin on a fresh morning pitch?”
As the session progressed, India’s field placements also raised eyebrows. Rohit repeatedly packed the off side with fielders but bizarrely kept deep square leg and fine leg unprotected, allowing easy singles and releasing pressure. England capitalized, rotating strike effortlessly and building a massive partnership that left India chasing shadows.
Things went from bad to worse when Rohit delayed taking the second new ball deep into the afternoon session, giving Joe Root and Harry Brook a lifeline to settle in. By the time India finally took the new ball, England had already wrestled back control and pushed their lead to a commanding position. Fans on social media slammed the indecision, with hashtags like #RohitBlunder and #TacticalFail trending as memes flooded timelines.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri didn’t mince words during commentary, saying, “Rohit has to be more proactive. The game can slip away very quickly in these conditions, and today it did.” Others pointed to Rohit’s body language, noting how India looked flat and uninspired after each boundary.
Despite the criticism, some experts defended Rohit’s choices, suggesting he was trying to conserve his fast bowlers for a reverse-swing assault later in the day. Sunil Gavaskar said, “Rohit is playing a long game. Maybe he expects the pitch to break up tomorrow and is looking to save his bowlers.”
However, with England firmly in command by stumps on Day 3, many fans fear Rohit’s calculated gambles may have backfired spectacularly. India now face a daunting task to claw back into the match, and questions are swirling about whether their aggressive but unconventional tactics have cost them a golden opportunity to dominate.
Can Rohit’s team bounce back on Day 4, or will these Day 3 decisions haunt India for the rest of the series? One thing’s for sure: Edgbaston witnessed a day of high drama — and India’s tactics are under the microscope like never before.