Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels while Virat Kohli could be a big threat in the World Cup to other teams, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma could be the most dangerous player in the World Cup. Rohit has all the experience under his belt and he could be lethal if he gets going.
Rohit Sharma scored 648 runs in nine matches in the 2019 World Cup at an average of 81 and a strike rate of 98, including five centuries and finished as the top run-getter of the tournament. Thus, the Indian opener will aim to continue the good show in the ongoing ODI showpiece.
Furthermore, Rohit is also coming into the World Cup with good form and scored 81 in the third ODI against Australia recently.
The veteran has scored 10112 runs in 251 ODI matches at an average of 48.85 and a strike rate of 90.53.
In an interview with Boria Majumdar for Backstage with Boria, Michael Clarke said, “It will be [pressure will be there], but I think his captaincy is very good. I’ve said that for a long time. I think he’s a very good tactician. I think he reads the game really well.”
“Everybody wants to open the batting in India in one-day cricket. The thing about Rohit Sharma is if there’s any swing, he’s good enough to see that off. There’s not too many players in the game that have a better power play, that hit more boundaries than Rohit Sharma.”
“So as good as Virat Kohli is, Rohit Sharma could be the most dangerous player in the World Cup. I just think he’s that good in those conditions. With Rohit, he could make a double-hundred. Like we saw with Mitchell Marsh the other night, battered beautifully and made 90. Rohit Sharma can make 150, 180, 200. He is that good,” the 42-year-old added.
The 2015 World Cup-winning captain added Kuldeep Yadav will hold the key for India. Yadav has been in stellar form in 2023 as he has scalped 33 wickets in 17 ODI matches in 2023 at an impressive average of 16.03 and an economy rate of 4.72.
“Kuldeep could be a big player for India. Back of the hand, got an amazing wrong ’un. I still don’t think the batters pick him completely. I think he’s a massive strike weapon for India. Spin is still an important part of your World Cup campaign if you’re playing in Indian conditions. Even if they’re not taking wickets, they can change the pace of the game. They can slow scoring,” he commented.
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