IND vs NZ: "He's Trying To Set That Tone In The Powerplay, Stepping Out And Playing Over Point Pulling The Ball" - Mohammad Kaif On Rohit Sharma

Updated - 16 Jan 2023, 05:59 PM

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. Pic Credits: Twitter.

Team India captain Rohit Sharma has been adopting an aggressive approach in recent times to take advantage of the field restrictions in the first ten overs. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has praised Rohit Sharma’s attacking style and said that he has been trying to set the tone at the top of the order in the powerplay in ODIs.

Rohit Sharma has a strike rate of 112.79 with 10 fours and six sixes in the powerplay this year, which has allowed his opening partner, Shubman Gill, to take time to settle at the crease. The 35-year-old had an impressive strike rate of 103.65 and an average of 47.33 in the three ODI series against Sri Lanka, including 83 runs in the first match.

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Rohit Sharma (PC-Getty Images)
Rohit Sharma (PC-Getty Images)

He Should Be The Aggressor In The Power Play – Mohammad Kaif

Speaking to Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif said that Rohit Sharma’s attacking approach in the power play will help India win the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 at home.

Mohammad Kaif (Image Credits: Twitter)
Mohammad Kaif (Image Credits: Twitter)

“The way Rohit Sharma has started as a captain, he’s trying to set that tone in the power play, stepping out and playing over point pulling the ball. I think he knows that if India wants to win the World Cup, he should be the aggressor in the power play,” Mohammad Kaif said.

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They Like To Play The Pull Shots – Mohammad Kaif

The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that Rohit and Gill share some aspects of the game, as both batsmen have the ability to bat for long periods, making it difficult for bowlers to bowl.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Image Credits: Twitter)

“I think both batters got similarities because they like to play the pull shots and on the back foot. The way they play square of the wicket, the fine leg, and through the cover points is fantastic to see.

“Appealing to the eyes, both the batsmen have got elegance. Both the batsmen have the capability to stay on the pitch batting for a longer time and for that reason, it is difficult to bowl against them because if you make even a small mistake these guys will punish you,” he concluded.

Also read: IND vs NZ: “Shubman Gill Is The Best Example Of How A Good Player Will Repay Your Faith With Consistent Performances If You Give Him A Consistent Rope” – Madan Lal

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah

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India National Cricket Team Mohammad Kaif New Zealand tour of India 2023 Rohit Sharma Shubman Gill