Rohit Sharma, on Friday (September 27), opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the ongoing IND vs BAN second Test at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

With perfect conditions for a fast bowler, Rohit Sharma did not hesitate to bowl first. The decision also ended India’s incredible nine-year run.

The Men in Blue had not opted to play first in a home Test since 2015. Also, the last time they decided to play first after winning the toss in a home Test was during the Bengaluru Test against South Africa.

Rohit’s decision to bowl took many by surprise and former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was one of them. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali said he was surprised by the hosts’ decision to bowl first.

Ali said batting in the fourth innings would be difficult before saying rain could have played a role in India’s decision.

“India won the toss and elected to bowl first. It was a surprise for me. The pitch looked very good. After two balls from Bumrah bounced towards the keeper, I wondered what would happen in the fourth innings for India. However, it rains for two days, so that’s a factor,” Basit Ali said.

Bowling first here means India wants to bat only once: Basit Ali

Furthermore, Basit Ali said that the home team wants to bat only once in the Test and win the game by an innings. Ali also warned Rohit Sharma’s team, saying they might face some problems if they are required to bat for the second time in the Test.

“Bowling first here means India want to bat only once. They want to win this Test by one innings, otherwise there will be a problem. There is also rain forecast for tomorrow. If India take seven wickets tomorrow, the Test on match will be in your pocket,” Ali said.

The opening day of the Test was marred by rain and only 35 overs were bowled. Although Akash Deep picked up two early wickets for the Rohit Sharma-led team, Bangladesh managed to bounce back. They were at 107/3 at stumps. Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim were unbeaten in the box.