When the selectors picked the 15-member World Cup team, India’s medium-pacer Mohit Sharma was not in the initial list. He was only inducted into the side for the tri-series as an extra pacer. He, then, proved his worth in the tri-series and the moment Ishant Sharma was proved to be unfit for the World Cup, Mohit became the automatic choice.
Mohit had some good domestic performances as well to back his selection and rest they say is history. Even the BCCI then had trusted his ability — apart from his captain MS Dhoni. After a very decent show against Pakistan in India’s first match of the World Cup, Mohit was again at it in Melbourne on Sunday.
This time, he proved his worth against the South Africans. He also proved why he is such a committed and passionate cricketer. After the batsmen, spearheaded by Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane, helped India to make 307 for seven in 50 stipulated over, Mohit again emerged as one of the top bowlers in the match.
The Indian pacer was successful in removing the top-order South African batsmen and that set the tone for India’s victory. Mohit’s first wicket was of dangerous Hashim Amla and later on dismissed Faf du Plessis. The spectacular aspect about his bowling today was the line of attack.
He pitched the ball full and used the short ball to perfection. He also mixed his slower deliveries intelligently. He was also instrumental in getting South African captain AB de Villiers’ wicket (run out). In all, he the perfect performer of the match for India!
