[Watch] Rohit Sharma Recalls When MS Dhoni Asked Him To Open The Innings

image-ln34vkwyRohit Sharma and MS Dhoni at the 2019 World Cup (x.com)

Rohit Sharma, a modern-day batting legend, made his international debut back in 2007 as a middle-overs accelerator. While the cricketer displayed immense promise by unfurling several clutch match-winning knocks in his initial years, the batting prodigy soon lost himself among an ever-expanding Indian gallery of rising middle-order talents.

However, Sharma had his career rejuvenated in 2013 after his then-skipper MS Dhoni asked him to open the innings for Team India in the Champions Trophy in England.

Around six years after Sharma’s career-changing decision by MS Dhoni, the dashing opener revealed how his former captain took him aback.

Rohit Sharma says MS Dhoni’s decision surprised him

Rohit Sharma candidly revealed his 2013 Champions Trophy conversation with MS Dhoni during a Breakfast with Champions episode in 2019. The legendary batsman claimed that ahead of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy opening game against South Africa, he was asked by his then-skipper to open the innings for the Indian team.

Sharma claimed that even though he instantly agreed, he was reluctant about his skipper’s decision and wondered for a while if he indeed made the right choice. He said:

“Champions Trophy is a big and long tournament. Suddenly MS [Dhoni] told me you will open. I said okay, let’s see how it turns out. I instantly agreed but when I went back to my room I was like did I make the right choice? I didn’t know anything, the opposition and who we were playing because I had a feeling I will not be in the playing eleven.”

Watch: Rohit Sharma recalls historic conversation with MS Dhoni

As it turned out, Rohit Sharma did open the innings and stitched a 127-run match-winning partnership with Shikhar Dhawan at the top. Their belligerent stand paved the way for India’s emphatic 26-run win over South Africa, as well as signalled their victorious and unbeaten Champions Trophy 2013 run in England.

Sharma continued to relish his newfound role in the years to come, as his current reputation stands as one of the greatest opening batters to have ever graced the game.