India’s impressive six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston on July 14 was filled with standout performances, but one particular moment from the commentary box stole the spotlight online. Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik caught everyone’s attention when he showcased an image of Lord Shiva’s Nataraj pose on his phone right after Rohit Sharma executed a stunning pull shot off Jofra Archer. This gesture occurred during India’s chase of 259 and quickly went viral across social media platforms. Ultimately, India secured a solid win, kicking off the three-match ODI series with a 1-0 lead and putting an end to England’s impressive 12-year unbeaten streak in men’s ODIs at Edgbaston.
The incident unfolded in the sixth over of the chase when Archer tested Rohit with a short ball. The Indian opener quickly picked the length and rolled his wrists to send the ball towards the leg side with trademark timing and balance. Calling it the “Nataraja shot”, Karthik explained that the stroke involves the batter lifting the back leg while completing the swing. He then held up his phone to display Lord Shiva’s Nataraj form, a reference to the shot’s name and the “Lord of Dance” connection.
Axar Patel’s All-Round Performances Power India to Victory
While Rohit’s shot sparked plenty of chatter, India’s victory was really a team effort, highlighted by key performances from captain Shubman Gill and all-rounder Axar Patel. Gill was in his element at Edgbaston, scoring a smooth 80 off 75 balls, peppered with 11 boundaries and a six, before he had to retire hurt due to cramps and some hamstring discomfort. His innings was crucial in stabilizing the chase after India lost Rohit for just 11 runs and Virat Kohli for a mere five, leaving them at 48 runs.
Gill also formed a significant 101-run partnership with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 35 before getting run out. England briefly made a comeback by reducing India to 160 for four, but Axar Patel and Washington Sundar quickly shut that down.
Axar put on a stellar performance in this ODI. Earlier, he had disrupted England’s momentum, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 62 after Joe Root’s unbeaten 76 and Liam Dawson’s 68 had helped the hosts reach 258. Later, Axar remained not out at 57 from 52 balls, forming an unbroken 102-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who also finished not out at 52. India wrapped up the chase in 45.2 overs, taking the upper hand in the series as they head to Cardiff.
