'Babar Azam Should Learn From Him'- Shoaib Akhtar Hails Rohit Sharma

image-locp50cmRohit Sharma in action against ENG at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Indian captain Rohit Sharma pulverised defending champions England with a match-winning 87 in Lucknow in their latest World Cup 2023 face-off. The dynamic opener launched ten boundaries and three sixes in his 101-ball knock and stabilised the Indian innings following the early dismissals of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.

Sharma was eventually adjudged as 'Player of the Match' for his efforts, and the Indian skipper also drew huge praise from former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

Shoaib Akhtar praises Rohit Sharma, asks Babar to learn

Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar, while speaking on Zee News, described Rohit Sharma as his favourite batsman among contemporary cricketers. The former speedster stated the same despite Sharma's scintillating 87 against England at the 2023 World Cup, which sustained his run-fest in the ongoing tournament.

Akhtar also added that struggling Pakistan captain Babar Azam should learn from his Indian counterpart following Pakistan's recent struggles and the batsman's own form in the competition. He said:

“Rohit Sharma is my favourite batsman currently. Babar Azam should learn from him.”

Through his latest 87, Sharma extended his 2023 World Cup tally to 398 runs from six innings. As of now, the cricketer is only trailing Quinton de Kock, David Warner and Rachin Ravindra on the elite run-scoring charts.

Earlier in the tournament, the Indian captain thumped Afghanistan with 131 before blasting 86 in a clinical run-chase against Pakistan. Rohit Sharma also slapped sparkling 40s against New Zealand and Bangladesh in the subsequent two fixtures to give Team India a blazing start at the top.

Sharma's troops will now face Sri Lanka for their subsequent World Cup 2023 challenge on November 2. The match will be played out at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.