Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour recently lauded Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma for his tactical acumen and deep investment in his role as a leader. Rathour, who worked closely with Rohit during his tenure, expressed his admiration for the captain’s approach to the game, particularly highlighting his ability to remain focused on strategies, even amid the chaos of high-pressure matches.
Rohit Sharma: The Tactical Genius
Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India reached the finals of the World Test Championship 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023, although they fell short of securing the trophies. However, the triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 marked a significant achievement, ending India’s 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. Rathour credited Rohit’s tactical brilliance as a key factor in this success.
Rathour humorously noted that while Rohit might occasionally forget trivial things like whether he decided to bat or bowl at the toss, or even leaving behind his phone or iPad on the team bus, he never loses track of his game plan. “He is very good at it and is a very shrewd tactician,” Rathour remarked during his appearance on the ‘Find a Way with Taruwar Kohli’ podcast.
A Player’s Captain
Rathour also emphasized Rohit’s commitment to his players, describing him as a “player’s captain.” He explained that Rohit is deeply involved in team meetings and strategic discussions, often sitting with both bowlers and batters to understand their perspectives and contribute to the game plan. “He is invested with the players. I have never seen a captain who is so involved in team meetings and strategies,” Rathour said, highlighting Rohit’s hands-on approach.
Strategic Mastermind in the T20 World Cup Final
One of the standout moments of Rohit’s captaincy, according to Rathour, was during the T20 World Cup 2024 final. With 30 runs needed in the last five overs, the match seemed to be slipping away from India. However, Rohit’s decision to finish Jasprit Bumrah’s overs early turned the game on its head, leaving the opposition needing 16 runs in the final over. Rathour pointed out that while some may have questioned the decision at the time, it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke that helped India secure the win.
“He is tactically very good as a captain,” Rathour said. “His decisions on the field are spot-on. Sometimes, sitting outside, even as a coach, you might question what he’s doing, but then you realize the brilliance behind his moves.”
Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s recent successes on the global stage. His tactical sharpness, coupled with his deep connection with his players, sets him apart as one of the most invested and effective captains in modern cricket.
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