- By Manik Sharma
- Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a roller-coaster comeback series, Rohit Sharma faced early setbacks with a nightmare start in the first two matches but redeemed himself in a spectacular manner in the dead rubber against Afghanistan.
The double Super Over thriller at Bengaluru witnessed Rohit playing a captain's knock (thrice), steering India to a memorable win and equalling MS Dhoni's T20I captaincy record of 42 wins.
Former Indian cricketer Rohan Gavaskar praised Rohit's captaincy skills. He highlighted that the format of T20Is truly tests a captain's mettle.
"This is the format where your captaincy skills are really tested. If he has a higher winning percentage than MS and Virat, that tells you what a good captain he is. What I really liked about this innings is that, generally you say in a T20I game now - the template is to go bang bang bang from the word go. And that is the template that is set," Cricbuzz quoted Gavaskar as saying.
ALSO READ: IND vs ENG Tests: Rehan Ahmed Braces Up For 'Hard' India Tour, Says ' I'm Looking Forward'
The series began on a challenging note for Rohit, who was run out for a duck in the opener in Mohali and recorded another golden duck in Indore. However, the veteran opener orchestrated a memorable turnaround in the final match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The dynamic partnership between Rohit and Rinku was instrumental in India's recovery from a daunting 22/4. The 36-year-old opener's unbeaten 121 off 69 balls, coupled with Rinku's crucial 69 not out off 39 balls, helped India post a total of 212 in 20 overs.
Gavaskar noted the strategic decision by Rohit and Rinku to give themselves time at 22/4, deviating from the typical T20I template of aggressive play from the start. The duo's ability to adapt and adjust their game plan, eventually scoring a rapid 100 in the last five overs, impressed Gavaskar.
“Normally, you want your teams to play in a different template. But to have that cricketing intelligence and the skillset to adapt and adjust and change your game, to what needs to be done, that is key," Gavaskar said.
ALSO READ: BBL 2024: Glenn Maxwell Quits As Melbourne Stars Captain After Failing To Qualify For Knockouts
It is yet to be seen if Rohit will lead India in the upcoming T20I World Cup once Hardik Pandya returns in the squad. The limited over World Cup is scheduled to be held from June in the West Indies and USA.
