Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Earns Praise from Ravi Shastri

Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has hailed Rohit Sharma as one of India’s greatest cricket captains. Shastri’s comments come in the wake of Sharma’s leadership in securing India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, a victory that cements his legacy as an exceptional leader in Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma assumed the mantle of captaincy from Virat Kohli following the 2021 T20 World Cup. Under his leadership, India achieved significant milestones, reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup and advancing to the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship (WTC). His partnership with head coach Rahul Dravid has been particularly noteworthy, as they have successfully implemented an aggressive approach that aligns with contemporary cricketing demands.

In addition to his international successes, Sharma has demonstrated remarkable prowess in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the Mumbai Indians to five titles since 2013. This dominant run has frequently invited comparisons to MS Dhoni, another iconic Indian captain. However, Sharma has carved out his unique place among cricketing leaders.

Shastri, speaking on the ICC Review, remarked on Sharma’s strategic acumen, stating, “As a tactician, let’s not forget that he’s been an outstanding guy. He’ll go down as one of the best captains ever alongside Dhoni. If you ask me who’s better, I’d say both are on par when it comes to tactics in the white-ball game. I can’t pay a bigger compliment to Rohit than that because you know what MS has done and the titles he has won.”

Shastri further highlighted Sharma’s composure during the 2024 T20 World Cup, particularly in the final against South Africa. “Rohit is not far behind and I thought tactically he was just outstanding in this year’s (T20) World Cup. Just the calmness, the ability to get a (Jasprit) Bumrah or a (Hardik) Pandya, or even an Axar Patel at just the right time when needed was great to see,” Shastri added.

The final match saw India nearly lose grip of the game, yet Sharma’s astute captaincy was instrumental in orchestrating a stunning comeback, underscoring his ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. His leadership was pivotal in harnessing the potential of key players like Bumrah and Pandya, whose performances in crucial moments turned the tide in India’s favor.

Beyond his captaincy, Sharma’s prowess as a batsman is undeniable. His aggressive style has adapted well to the evolving dynamics of modern cricket. “I think a giant in the white-ball game,” Shastri said. 

“One of the all-time greats. One of the best who have ever played. Will walk into any white-ball team they pick, irrespective of the era. Just because of the dynamic ability he has at the top.”

Sharma’s ability to balance explosive power with classical technique has set him apart. Shastri praised Sharma’s approach, noting, “The thing with Rohit Sharma is he plays the big shots, he scores quickly, but they’re all cricketing shots. What amazes me, there’s not an element of sloppiness. I mean, it just shows how much time he has on his hands to play the best and the power – people forget that this man is explosive. He’s got power.”

As Sharma prepares to lead India in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, his legacy as a captain continues to grow. His strategic brilliance, combined with his extraordinary batting skills, ensures that he remains a formidable force in international cricket.