Fear of India Repeating Kanpur Heroics in BGT: Ex-Australia Star Ruminates on Missed Opportunity for Draw

Team India delivered an outstanding display with the bat in the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur, securing a well-deserved seven-wicket victory. The game appeared to be heading towards a draw following two consecutive days of play being washed out, but India's aggressive batting changed the course of the match. Despite only 35 overs being played over the first three days, India managed to score an impressive 285/9d in just 34.4 overs, securing a crucial 52-run lead. This remarkable performance ultimately led to India clinching the win.

India, then, bowled Bangladesh out for a meagre total of 146 to eventually clinch a dominant win in the match. The side's approach, and the team management's decision to force a result despite the limited amount of time left, earned laurels from fans and experts alike. Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin was also left impressed by India's brilliant performance, and doffed his hat to Rohit Sharma and co.

“They gave themselves a chance to win the game. It wasn't about how many runs I score, it's about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time. My hat goes off to support staff, Rohit Sharma... he has always been this sort of captain: Win first,” said Haddin on the LiSTNR podcast.

“I love the style of cricket. They could've had a net session, gone for a draw, no one would have said a thing. The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result... teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India.”

The interviewer asked Haddin if India could produce a similar performance if the same situation arrives during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under later this year. The Aussie former player didn't count out Rohit Sharma's men from repeating such heroics.

“I actually do. Because if you look at this result... the worst result for India would've been a draw. There was no way India would've lost it. Rohit had nothing to lose. How good was it to watch! It's a wonderful way to win Test cricket,” said Haddin.

India will be aiming to clinch a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia; the side won the last two series Down Under 2-1.