Virat Kohli leads India in run scoring in this competition with 503, but Rohit Sharma has amassed 503 in nine matches at an average of 55.88 and a strike rate of 121.49, which includes a century and three half-centuries.
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar stated ahead of India’s all-or-nothing World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday that although Rohit Sharma may have 31 ODI hundreds under his belt, the Indian captain is the last guy to play the game for personal achievements or fulfilment. With 503 runs in nine matches at an average of 55.88 and a strike rate of 121.49, including a century and three half-centuries, Rohit is now India’s second-highest run scorer in this competition behind Virat Kohli.
Considering how he has been playing this tournament, I don’t think Rohit Sharma would alter his style of play. “He hasn’t felt pressured by any personal achievements or benchmarks,” Sunil Gavaskar said to news sources.
“He’s looking to get the team up to a flying start because what that does, it puts the opposition under pressure and gives his team the platform from where they can then capitalise on the remaining 40 overs,” Gavaskar said of the Indian skipper’s strategy.
“So, in the first 8-10 overs, he’s going to really slam back at the bowling and put the opposition on the back foot with that attacking batting.” Shubman Gill, whose note no is behind him, is likewise a highly good and capable partner. He’s practically stroke for stroke with him,” he continued.
The dew could be beneficial in the semi-finals, according to the former Indian captain.
“Well, it doesn’t really matter if they bowl first or second if you have a strong bowling attack like India does. Second, obviously, it will aid if they are bowling, since we have observed that the ball travels to the wicket keeper a little bit faster when there is a small amount of dew there.
“So, it certainly will help the three new ball bowlers in the Indian line-up for sure, and it also helps a spinner like Kuldeep Yadav to get the ball to skid out of the surface also quicker,” he continued.
“It is special to be back playing at your home ground”
Rohit, along with Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, will bring the Mumbai contingent to three in India’s semi-final showdown here.
On the same topic, Gavaskar stated that it would be a unique experience for the three, particularly in front of their relatives and friends.
“Believe me, it is special to be back playing at your home ground, and for these three boys as well, they have played so much of their cricket at the Wankhede stadium.” “It will be really special because the crowd will be there and their families will be there, and when you know everybody you have grown up playing cricket with, maybe in the maidans or maybe in the gullies, they are all going to be there, it just makes it that much more special.” “And, you want to, therefore, do well for those people, and when you go back at the end of day’s play that those same people will pat you on the back, that’s a feeling that is unforgettable,” he stated.
