Rohit Sharma Was India's Best Player In 2019 - Anil Kumble

Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble rates limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma as the best player for India in 2019. Rohit Sharma had a fabulous year as he was able to deliver the goods in every condition. The talisman ended as the highest run-getter of the World Cup as he scored 648 runs in the tournament. The Indian opener scored five centuries in the ODI showpiece.

Furthermore, he ended as the highest ODI run-getter of the year. The flamboyant batsman scored 1490 runs in 28 matches at an average of 57.30 and a strike rate of 89.92 in 2019. Thus, Rohit batted at the top of his game in his preferred ODI format. Moreover, Rohit was also able to take the Test opening role like fish to water.

Rohit Sharma was at his absolute best.

The right-hander was at his best in the three-match Test series against South Africa as he amassed 529 runs in the four innings at a staggering average of 132.25. Ergo, Rohit had a breakthrough year. He also led his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians to their fourth IPL title, to become the most successful IPL captain.

“There have been many players. I think everyone has performed. But I think one person stands out: Rohit Sharma has had a fantastic season. In the World Cup to have five hundred. Then a double hundred in a Test match as an opener against South Africa,” Kumble told CricketNext.

“He has come back into the Test match as an opener is something that has changed the way Rohit is looked at. His leadership role whenever he has got the opportunity to lead India in the absence of Virat Kohli. So, I think this year you have to give it to Rohit Sharma and nobody else.”

On the other hand, India found a solid opening batsman in Mayank Agarwal. The right-hander had a good start to his Test career in Australia but the Karnataka batsman was able to cement his place in the Test side after delivering consistent performances.

Agarwal was solid for India.

The Indian Test opener finished as India’s top run-getter in the red ball version as he scored 754 runs in eight matches of 2019 at an average of 68.54. Consequently, Anil Kumble picked Mayank Agarwal as the best youngster of the side in 2019.

Kumble added, “For me, the young Indian player has to be Mayank Agarwal. He made his debut in Boxing Day last year. So, it is not easy. Boxing Day Test match walking in with 90,000 people, at MCG. He had a great debut for India and from there on he has grown in stature.

“I think he is someone India can look towards even in One Day cricket, even in T20 at some point in time. He has a mature head on his shoulder; he has done the hard yards, getting runs consistently in domestic cricket, and he has been brilliant for India as an opening batsman, There’s been a lot of competition for the opening slot, but Mayank has stood out.”

India had a great year in all the three forms of the game except the World Cup semifinal loss. Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal were the top two performers for the side and they would look to continue their good show in 2020.