"You don't want to mess around with Rohit Sharma"- Nasser Hussain namedrops Virat Kohli in captaincy assessment

As India gears up to face South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados, former England captain and commentator Nasser Hussain has expressed admiration for Rohit Sharma and his exceptional leadership style.

Hussain believes that Rohit has had a significant impact on the Indian cricket team since taking over the captaincy from Virat Kohli after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Known for his strategic acumen and composed demeanor, Sharma has successfully led Team India to the finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, continuing his streak of inspiring leadership.

Under Sharma's captaincy, the Indian cricket team has showcased remarkable consistency, reaching three ICC finals in the past year, including the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and the ODI World Cup 2023 at home.

Nasser Hussain highlights the contrasting captaincy styles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Rohit’s leadership style, which is a perfect blend of firmness and compassion, has earned him respect and admiration from his Indian teammates and cricket experts across the world. This T20 World Cup might be his last one as captain.

Meanwhile, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Hussain revealed that he is a long-time fan of Rohit, describing him as a "fighter" and a "calming influence" while highlighting his dual role as both a fierce competitor and a nurturing leader.

The former England captain noted that Rohit brings a calming presence to the team, contrasting with more openly passionate captains like Virat Kohli, who are known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves.

Describing the Indian skipper as an "iron fist in a velvet glove," Hussain emphasized that while Rohit commands respect and authority, he also supports his teammates like a big brother, fostering a positive team environment.

Nasser Hussain hails Rohit Sharma’s leadership style ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final

Nasser Hussain said in a video posted by ICC on Instagram: “I've been a fan of Rohit Sharma for a very long time, as a fighter, as a captain and as a person. He seems a very calming influence, whereas you had other captains, maybe like Virat Kohli, who wore their heart on their sleeve, and they're incredibly passionate. Rohit is like that iron fist in a velvet glove. You do not want to mess around with Rohit, but he's also like a big brother who will put his arm around you and look after you.”

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Nasser Hussain reacts to 'bias' talks for India at T20 World Cup 2024

Meanwhile, Nasser Hussain has also addressed the allegations, suggesting that India benefited from favorable pitch conditions and scheduling during the T20 World Cup 2024.

Critics have accused India of receiving special treatment from the ICC in the ongoing tournament, claiming that it was regarding the pre-decided decision that they would play a semifinal match against England in Guyana.

Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail: “If you look at things in greater detail, they came into this semi-final against England having just beaten 50-over world champions Australia on a bouncier, good pitch in St Lucia, and reverted to a lower, slower pitch and won comfortably. Fair play to them for the way they played and it feels right that India and South Africa, the two unbeaten sides in the tournament, go head-to-head in Barbados on Saturday.”