Ex-cricketer S Sreesanth commended Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, drawing a comparison with MS Dhoni. Although both have secured five IPL titles as captains, Dhoni holds an edge in ICC titles, leading India to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.
In contrast, Rohit Sharma has led effectively, reaching the semi-final of the T20 World Cup and guiding the team to the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup finals this year without clinching the titles.
Sreesanth, in conversation with Firstpost, commended Rohit Sharma’s capability to support his bowlers and fielders, resembling Dhoni’s approach.
“He’s a street-smart cricketer and he’s somebody more like Dhoni bhai who doesn’t just get off the scene straight away,” Sreesanth said.
“Even if the bowling’s not that great, even if the fielding’s not that great he makes sure he backs up the fielders, he backs up the fielders. It’s a great trend.”
MS Dhoni led India in 332 matches in various formats, securing victories in 178, while Rohit Sharma, the current captain, has an impressive record with 78 wins in 105 games. Additionally, Rohit was part of Dhoni’s squads during India’s triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
“He has served as both their brother and their closest friend”- Sreesanth on Rohit Sharma
Sreesanth pointed to the 2023 World Cup as an illustration of Rohit Sharma’s outstanding captaincy skills, emphasizing his effective communication with players beyond typical leadership.
Rohit’s leading performance as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 597 runs at an average of 54.27 and a strike rate over 125, further highlighted his impact.
“Even in the World Cup, the players who were not playing he was going to them asking for suggestions. Yes, he’s the captain but he’s been there as their brother and been there as their best friend. So it’s very important. So I think that’s one of the best qualities a captain can have,” said Sreesanth.
India displayed an impressive performance in the home World Cup, securing victories in all nine league matches and the semi-final, although they faced defeat in the final against Australia.
After a demanding period, Rohit Sharma, having been rested for the white-ball segment of the upcoming South African tour, will resume leadership duties in the two-match Test series against the Proteas.
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