New Zealand pacers hurt India's batting to leave them wobbling at 110 for six at tea. The top order was gone. Virat Kohli got an unplayable delivery when he was in the middle of a little gem. India's lead was 222 and the Black Caps would have fancied their chances when they walked in for tea.
But Rohit Sharma had other ideas.
Opportunity for Rohit Sharma to play a match changing innings. Even a 60 would qualify for that
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 2, 2016
And at the end of the day, he had played an innings that he will remember for a long time.
Along with local boy Wriddhiman Saha, Rohit played a majestic innings, scoring 82 crucial runs before falling to Mitchell Santner. He did not get a century but it was an innings that put India firmly in the driver's seat at the end of day three.
Stumps on day 3! And India are well and truly in the driver's seat with a lead of 339. Great recovery from Kohli, Rohit & Saha. #INDvsNZ
— ScoopWhoop News (@scoopwhoopnews) October 2, 2016
Just look at his numbers at Eden Gardens:
And there was fulsome praise for the 'talented' right-hander on Twitter:
India will be delighted by the innings that @ImRo45 played. Efforts like these will be the making of him in test cricket.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 2, 2016
Rohit Sharma And Eden Gardens,
Still A Better Love Story Than Titanic And Twilight Combined. #IndvNZ #IndvsNZ
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) October 2, 2016
Rohit Sharma haters right now after his important 50. #IndvsNZ pic.twitter.com/aI6M2fGS72
— Surgical Lazy (@iLazyLad) October 2, 2016
His beloved Eden is back to rescue him. A steely half-century for Rohit Sharma on a tough pitch to rescue his side from the doldrums #INDvNZ
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 2, 2016
For the sheer pressure and timing of this Test, the 82 is much better than the twin tons vs WI.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 2, 2016
Now... THAT is a fifty Rohit can be proud of. #IndvNZ
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) October 2, 2016
Played Rohit. A quality inns against good bowling on a tricky pitch. #indvsnz
— jigar mehta (@jigsactin) October 2, 2016
Rohit Sharma 👌Now talk critics
— Aditya (@vsn23041) October 2, 2016
Let's hear it from the Rohit haters now.
— Suhrith (@suhrith) October 2, 2016
Rohit Sharma Haters Right Now. #INDvNZ #INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/5HYZiH00qU
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) October 2, 2016