India, June 20 -- In the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Rohit was dismissed for 79 during India's chase of 219. On paper, it was another innings that stopped short of three figures. In context, however, it was much more important than a missed hundred. This was Rohit answering a question that has followed him through the series: how much is still left in the tank?

The start was not entirely smooth. Afghanistan had already been penalised five runs before India's chase began, and Yashasvi Jaiswal immediately brought urgency from the other end. Rohit, meanwhile, had his early uncertain moments. A top edge fell safely. Another chance went begging in bizarre fashion. But once he settled, the familiar rhythm retur...