'Leading From The Front': India Great Lauds Rohit Sharma
Aakash Chopra has lauded India skipper Rohit Sharma [AP Photo]
Rohit Sharma's spectacular run at the top of the order in India's magnificent campaign at the ICC World Cup 2023 was applauded by former Test opener Aakash Chopra.
Chopra hailed Rohit's belligerence and impact value against the new-ball attacks and hailed him for his strong leadership in India's mighty successful run so far.
Team India clinched their fifth consecutive victory of the marquee competition after rallying on the shoulders of Virat Kohli's excellent knock of 95. However, skipper Rohit's imposing display at the beginning of the innings was equally deserving of praise after his quickfire 46 off 40 laid the right foundation in India's quest to hunt down 274.
Rohit, who has transitioned into a valiant top-order aggressor after spending his peak years as a solid anchor, is only second to numero uno Kohli in India's run-chart with 311 runs at an amazing strike-rate of 133.47 while still averaging upwards of 60.
Chopra Applauds Rohit Sharma
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra lauded Rohit's captaincy and willingness to don the difficult role of an aggressor despite ageing 36, appreciating him for "leading from the front" in India's campaign at the World Cup 2023.
Rohit overcame a poor duck versus Australia in the opening game with a memorable innings of 131 off 84 deliveries against Afghanistan before backing up his Delhi blitz with a superlative knock of 86 off 63 balls in the Pakistan encounter in Ahmedabad and continuing with gusto against Bangladesh with 48 off 40 in Pune.
"If leading from the front had a face, it is Rohit Sharma," Chopra said on Rohit.
"He is the guy who shows it by doing it. He changes the match on his own. There was a threat from Trent Boult and Matt Henry at the start. He neutralized that threat."
Chopra further elaborated on how Rohit took the attack to Trent Boult and Matt Henry and rattled the Kiwi pace duo.
"The biggest sign of that was Trent Boult went around the stumps after starting over the stumps. It means that he was no longer focusing on swing and was going for the angle. Angle means Trent Boult's stature was halved."
"Matt Henry was bowling extremely well but Rohit jumped down the track and hit him for a six. When Rohit plays, he plays differently. He deserved a fifty and more. He got an inside edge and got out," he added.
Rohit and Team India's next assignment will be against England on October 29 in Lucknow.
 "Kashish Chadha")
