Wasim Akram, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, praised Team India captain Rohit Sharma for his elegant batting during India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh at Dubai International Stadium. Rohit’s quick-fire 41 off 36 balls, in partnership with centurion Shubman Gill, helped India stay ahead of the required run rate. Akram described Rohit’s batting style as “lazy elegance,” emphasizing his unique flair for the game. He also highlighted Rohit’s exceptional achievements, including scoring three double centuries in One Day Internationals. Akram’s comments on the show “Dressing Room” underscored Sharma’s special place in modern cricket.
Wasim Akram reminisced about a memorable moment from 2008 during a tri-series in Australia when he was doing commentary. He recalled how the entire commentary box had recognized the special talent of a young player, who scored a fine 70 in his innings. Akram noted how impressive the youngster looked to the eyes, indicating his future potential.
Rohit Sharma’s Impact on Shubman Gill’s Performance and Milestone Achievement
Cheteshwar Pujara commented on how Rohit Sharma’s batting helped Shubman Gill settle down and score his eighth one-day international hundred. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 101 off 129 balls as India chased down the target with 21 balls to spare.
“His batting complements Gill. Rohit’s attacking style helps Gill settle down,” said Pujara.
“With the strike rate he bats at in the first five overs, the score is 40. The other batter can take 10-15 balls to get set. Even if India lose a wicket early and Rohit is still at the crease for the next ten overs, he makes life easy for Virat also,” he added.
India captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday became the second-fastest batter, after compatriot Virat Kohli, to complete 11,000 runs in One-day Internationals during their Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh.
Rohit is only the fourth Indian and 10th batter overall to reach the mark in the 50-over format.
Expert Analysis on Rohit Sharma’s Innings and His Early Recognition
Former India off-spinner, Nikhil Chopra, analyzed Rohit’s innings and how he was troubled by left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman.
“Against Mustafizur in the initial four-five balls, he was troubled by the left-arm seamer. Then he showed his experience. He stepped out against Mustafizur, breaking his rhythm. The bowler was forced to change his game plan,” he said. Chopra also mentioned how Rohit Sharma was picked by former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar when the Indian captain was playing in U-19 cricket.
“Credit goes to Dilip Vengsarkar. Thanks to Dilip bhai, he spotted him. He kept telling everyone that there is a big player coming through the ranks,” said Chopra.
Wasim Akram lauded Dilip Vengsarkar for having an eye to spot such talent. “I have played with Dilip bhai. What a gutsy cricketer he was. Probably one of the few batters to score three Test centuries at Lord’s,” he said. Cheteshwar Pujara, who was in the same U-19 team with Rohit Sharma, added: “Rohit and I were in the same U-19 batch, and we knew that Dilip sir had picked him.”