Former New Zealand fast bowler and ex-bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians, Shane Bond, compared India’s Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma to Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden. Bond noted that Rohit has the ability to excel on pitches that are typically challenging for batting.
Regarded as one of the most talented cricketers globally, Rohit has scored 4,179 runs in 61 Tests at an average of 43.98, including 12 centuries. The 37-year-old has also accumulated over 10,800 runs in 265 ODIs, featuring a record three double centuries.
Additionally, he retired from T20Is with more than 4,000 runs in 159 matches at a strike rate of 140.89. Ahead of the 2021 World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton, Bond expressed high praise for the experienced Indian batter during a virtual press conference hosted by Star Sports, stating:
“I love Rohit Sharma as a player. I almost see him as a Matthew Hayden type of player. He goes out, as he did in the series against England on very difficult pitches, and imposes himself.”
”He could come out and score very quick runs. And He is dynamic and in difficult conditions, like Rishabh Pant, who can take the game away from the opposition very quickly.
“With the field up, being a natural stroke maker sort of suits him when the ball is hard. If he can score fast and put runs on the board, that instantly puts pressure on the bowling group,” the former Kiwi quick went on to add.
For the record, New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in the rain-affected WTC 2021 final. Rohit Sharma made starts in both innings but failed to convert, scoring 34 and 30. In the first innings, he was caught in the slip cordon after playing a loose shot off Kyle Jamieson. In the second innings, he was dismissed leg before wicket by Tim Southee for 30.
Rohit Sharma will captain India in the Test series against New Zealand
Currently, Rohit Sharma will lead Team India in a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. The first Test will take place at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16 to 20. The second Test is scheduled for Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24 to 28.
🚨: Practice Update of today – Bangalore.
– Rohit Sharma arrived at the ground at 9 am.
– All the players arrived on the ground at different times.
– Rohit batted for about 30/40 minutes in the nets.
– Rahul Dravid came to meet Rohit and they had a conversation for 10/15… pic.twitter.com/gykd3GLXct
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 13, 2024
The series will wrap up with the third Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to 5. Prior to facing New Zealand, Rohit captained the team to a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh at home.
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