Written By: Danish
Rohit shocked everyone by claiming Lyon "wasn't good enough to keep mid-on up" during Indore Test. Sent message to Pujara to attack the spinner.
With India collapsing and considering declaration, Rohit wanted Pujara to disrupt Lyon's rhythm. "We needed quick runs," explained the skipper.
Pujara did hit Lyon for six but fell for 59. Lyon ultimately took 8/64 as India crumbled to 163, losing by 9 wickets in BGT 2022-23.
That 59 became Pujara's last Test fifty. Poor WTC final scores (14 & 27) followed, leading to his exclusion from India's Test squad since.
Lyon holds record for most Test wickets vs India by a spinner (116+). Rohit's comment came despite pitch "turning square" in Indore.
Shared during Pujara's wife's book launch, Rohit joked about batters knowing why messengers come: "I'd stop them right there!"
The episode shows Rohit's aggressive captaincy style - willing to challenge even elite bowlers like Lyon, though results didn't follow this time.