IND vs PAK: Sunil Gavaskar Lauds Rohit Sharma's Century With Aggressive Approach Against Afghanistan In ICC World Cup 2023

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed delight over Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach in the ICC World Cup 2023. Sunil Gavaskar highlighted that Rohit Sharma missed a few centuries while taking risks to maintain momentum for the team.

The Indian cricket team continued their winning momentum and secured back-to-back victories in the ongoing marquee tournament. Rohit Sharma played a vital role in the team’s convincing eight-wicket victory against Afghanistan in Delhi on Wednesday, October 11.

Rohit Sharma Missed Out On A Lot Of Hundreds – Sunil Gavaskar

In a conversation with Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar highlighted that Rohit Sharma entertained the audience by hitting remarkable sixes in the match against Afghanistan.

“I’m very happy that he got a hundred because he missed out on a lot of hundreds. With him, he is a risk taker. And therefore sometimes, what happens is, in the 60s, 70s – look at the number of times – where he got the team off to a flying start with half-centuries. But he wants to carry on in the same way because it benefits the team. For example, today, you get that (run rate of) 8 runs per over,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“The strike rate, it helps your net run rate. Who knows what’s gonna happen? After another 5-6 matches. You might need those decimal points to qualify. So clearly, he might have missed out on a few hundred, but he entertained all of us. And today was another special occasion. Some of the sixes that he hit, are just unbelievable,” he continued.

Despite a recent six-ball duck against Australia, the veteran Indian opener started aggressively. He reached his half-century in just 30 balls and achieved a century in only 63 deliveries. He became the fastest Indian batter to reach a century in World Cup history.

Virender Sehwag Was Also Similar – Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar compared Rohit Sharma’s approach to that of Virender Sehwag, highlighting their common trait of attacking as opening batters and scoring briskly.

“Every century of his is a delight to watch. Because there is that ease with which he seems to be caressing the ball when he is hitting the ball along the ground. Very few batters have the ability to pull, off the front foot that he does. Same thing with Virender Sehwag, Viru was also similar. Opening batter, goes bang-bang and scores 60s-70s, 80s,” Gavaskar further added.

The 36-year-old scored 131 runs from just 84 deliveries, including 16 boundaries and five sixes, before being dismissed by Rashid Khan. He was rewarded with Player of the Match for his 31st ODI hundred.

Also read: IND vs AFG: Rohit Sharma Shatters Multiple Records After His Impressive 131 Runs Knock In ICC World Cup 2023