Rahul Dravid opens up on Rohit's brave Super Over Bishnoi call

Cricket fans were treated to an absolute rollercoaster at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium, where a riveting encounter between India and Afghanistan unfolded, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The game, which witnessed a whopping 424 runs in just 40 overs, ultimately came down to the drama of not one but two Super Overs – a rare treat for cricket fans.

In the initial Super Over, Afghanistan, fresh from matching India's formidable 212 in 20 overs, showcased their prowess against Mukesh Kumar, accumulating 16 runs. Responding with equal zeal, India managed to level the score, forcing the match into yet another Super Over. The stage was set for a nail-biting finale.

As the spotlight shifted to Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the target of 11 runs seemed quite getable, given their good performance throughout the game. Nabi, particularly, was relentless with a blistering 16-ball 34 during the chase, setting the tone for an electrifying finish.

Captain Rohit Sharma, known for his strategic acumen, made a bold move by entrusting the ball to wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. This decision proved to be a masterstroke as Bishnoi successfully defended the target, earning accolades from none other than the legendary Rahul Dravid.

"I think Rohit went with his gut, he went with a call... I think he felt that the spinner had a better chance to take those two wickets. It was one of games when 11 wasn't probably a huge score and where you know that if they batted those six balls, with the power they had, they probably would've got the 12 runs. You needed to take two wickets," Dravid said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Bishnoi, recounting the intense moments, expressed,

"The pressure was there, the heartbeat was racing, but I was confident about getting the job done. I was told by the captain that I'll bowl - I knew it wouldn't be easy for them if I bowl back of the length ball, it would be tough to smash on the back-foot. It gives a lot of pleasure to defend during the super overs."

The match, however, wasn't without its share of drama. In the first Super Over, a brief confrontation occurred when Mohammad Nabi, after missing a full ball, managed to sneak in a run off a deflected underarm throw. Despite Rohit and Virat Kohli expressing their displeasure, Dravid downplayed the incident, attributing it to the high emotions inherent in such closely contested games.

He could've gone for two sixes but I thought Bishnoi was brilliant: Dravid

Dravid praised Rohit's decision to rely on Bishnoi for the super over, noting that it was a wise call from the skipper to opt for the spinner. He highlighted the potential risk of Bishnoi conceding two sixes, but ultimately commended him for his brilliance in executing the plan effectively.

"I think it was a great call from the skipper to go with the spinner. He could've gone for two sixes but I thought Bishnoi was brilliant, because he bowled two superb balls. He pulled the length back... if the length had gone slightly fuller, the way they were batting, on this small ground it would've gone for a six. I think it was really good gut call from Rohit to go for the wickets and be more positive rather than probably a safer option which people would've expected," Dravid added.