Ravi Shastri compares Rohit Sharma with MS Dhoni; passes jaw-dropping verdict
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has lauded Rohit Sharma for his brilliant captaincy and batting. Shastri reckons that Rohit Sharma is on par with the legendary MS Dhoni when it comes to tactics.
Rohit Sharma recently led India to the T20 World Cup 2024 title. Rohit's tactics and bowling changes were quite impressive in the tournament as he used his resources perfectly and led the team well.
Alongside being the captain, Rohit was also the top run-scorer for India in the tournament with 257 runs in eight matches. He finished as the second-highest run-getter of the tournament. The 37-year-old decided to retire from T20Is after India's triumph but he finished the format as the highest run-scorer in the T20 format.
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Ravi Shastri compares Rohit Sharma with MS Dhoni
There is hardly any player in the world who is close to MS Dhoni. When it comes to tactics, he is probably one of the best in the world. While speaking on the latest episode of The ICC review, Shastri called Rohit Sharma as a great tactician and one of the best captains alongside MS Dhoni.
“As a tactician, let's not forget that he's been an outstanding guy. He'll go down as one of the best captains ever alongside Dhoni, If you ask me who's better, I'd say both are on par when it comes to tactics in the white-ball game. I can't pay a bigger compliment to Rohit than that because you know what MS has done and the titles he has won,” Shastri stated.
Shastri also praised Rohit's calmness and his ability to use skillful bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya during a match. Both Bumrah and Pandya created huge impacts on the matches and both played key roles in India's title win.
“Rohit is not far behind and I thought tactically he was just outstanding in this year's (T20) World Cup,” Shastri continued. “Just the calmness, the ability to get a (Jasprit) Bumrah or a (Hardik) Pandya, or even an Axar Patel at just the right time when needed was great to see,” Shastri said.
Rohit Sharma's use of Jasprit Bumrah was highly praised after India's title win. Bumrah was used in the important overs and he produced wickets at a crucial time. Bumrah emerged as the Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 8.26 and an outstanding economy rate of 4.17.
Ravi Shastri calls Rohit Sharma 'Giant' in white-ball cricket
Shastri also hailed Rohit Sharma as a batter. He claimed Rohit's strength to be his power and the ability to hit big shots to clear any ground in the world.
“I think a giant in the white-ball game,” said Shastri. “One of the all-time greats. One of the best who have ever played. Will walk into any white-ball team they pick, irrespective of the era. Just because of the dynamic ability he has at the top."
“The thing with Rohit Sharma is he plays the big shots, he scores quickly, but they're all cricketing shots. What amazes me, there's not an element of sloppiness. I mean, it just shows how much time he has on his hands to play the best and the power – people forget that this man is explosive. He's got power,” the former India allrounder added.
