Ravichandran Ashwin credited Rohit Sharma for India's white-ball transformation [Source: @internetumpire, @BCCI/x.com]
Ravichandran Ashwin has always been a straight shooter and this time, he is putting Rohit Sharma’s impact into perspective in a way few have. India might have just lifted their third Champions Trophy but according to Ashwin, Rohit’s biggest contribution isn’t just the silverware, it’s how he has rewritten the rules of India’s white-ball batting.
Ravichandran Ashwin Revealed Why Rohit Sharma Is India’s White-Ball Cricket Architect
India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign had Rohit Sharma’s fingerprints all over it. The skipper once again took the bull by the horns in the final and smashed a game-changing 76 off 83 balls to set the tone for the chase against New Zealand. While KL Rahul played anchor with an unbeaten 34, it was Rohit’s aggressive intent that put India in the driver’s seat.
Ravichandran Ashwin, on his Hindi YouTube channel "Ash Ki Baat," broke it down:
"Against New Zealand, Rohit played a measured knock. It was not like Ahmedabad. The way he attacked Nathan Smith. He never let him came back into the game. His intent was so good."
The Turning Point After the 2022 Heartbreak
Ashwin didn’t stop there. He went back to one of Indian cricket’s darkest recent moments: the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss to England. That game left scars but Rohit Sharma decided to lead the healing process himself.
"He has led by example since that 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss against England. If a captain is willing to risk his wicket in the middle, the players know that’s how they will have to play," Ashwin explained.
It’s not just about attacking cricket. It’s about putting the team above personal milestones, above averages, above individual glory. That’s the revolution Rohit has sparked.
Not Just A Trophy Collector, But A Game Changer
Yes, Rohit Sharma has the trophies: five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians, two back-to-back ICC trophies with India but Ashwin insists that’s not his real legacy.
"Rohit Sharma has changed the batting frontier of Indian white-ball cricket. That is his biggest legacy," Ashwin declared.
According to Ashwin, for years, Indian white-ball cricket revolved around the top three accumulating big runs, staying unbeaten, and boosting averages. That mentality trickled down even to junior levels: stay not out, pad up the stats, get noticed.
"With that regards Rohit Sharma has changed that mindset as a captain with the way he is playing and is asking his players to play the same way. May god be with him, he has been an absolute superstar for the Indian team," Ashwin added.
And it’s showing. India’s batting lineup no longer plays safe. They take risks, play with freedom, and back their instincts because their captain does it first.