"When you have a leader..."- Zaheer Khan's no-nonsense verdict on Test captain Rohit Sharma

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma’s ability to lead by example in the upcoming Test series against England. Zaheer Khan highlighted Rohit Sharma’s leadership qualities, citing his impressive record in the ODI World Cup 2023.

India is set to host a five-match Test series against England, with the opening match slated to begin in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25. It’s worth mentioning that the Indian team secured a 3-1 victory against England during the Test series in home conditions in 2021.

The 36-year-old has an impressive Test record against England, having scored 747 runs in nine matches at an average of 49.80, including two centuries. During England’s tour of India in 2021, he amassed 345 runs, including a remarkable 161-run knock in the second Test.

That Has Been The Hallmark Of Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy – Zaheer Khan

In a conversation with Jio Cinema, Zaheer Khan emphasized that key players tend to perform in significant series, and he backed Rohit Sharma to set the tone for India with his batting.

“That has been the hallmark of his captaincy, and he leads from the front as seen in the World Cup. He walks the talk. When you have a leader walking the talk, it gives you better efficiency within the whole group. So, I think he’s a proven leader,” Zaheer told Jio Cinema.

Rohit led the Indian cricket team to the final of the ODI World Cup in home conditions. The Men in Blue remained unbeaten in the group stage and defeated New Zealand in the semi-final. However, they fell short of crossing the finish line in the summit clash

Rohit Sharma Had Worked A Lot On It – Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan highlighted Rohit Sharma’s adaptability to various conditions, particularly as a Test opener. The former Indian pacer mentioned that Rohit has performed well in English conditions as well as on rank turners in India.

“You’ve seen him adapt nicely in England when it came to leaving the ball,” Zaheer further stated.

“He said that he had worked a lot on it. You’ve seen that in Chennai when he played a match-defining knock. Winning the toss, batting first, and getting the opposition completely out in the first innings and being instrumental in that, is something which gives satisfaction to any player playing at the highest level.”

Rohit Sharma scored 368 runs in four Tests at an average of 52.51 in England in 2021. The veteran batter smashed a memorable 127 at The Oval in September 2021. As an opener in 27 Test matches, Rohit scored a total of 2152 runs at a remarkable average of 51.23.

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has opted out of the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons. Virat Kohli’s unavailability will add extra responsibility to Rohit, as both a senior batter and a captain. The selectors haven’t announced Virat’s replacement player.

Also read: KS Bharat Reminds Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma Of His Potential With Brilliant Century vs England Lions