Cricket

The World Cup was slipping away from India, a second heartbreak in seven months seemed imminent. Axar Patel had started the 15th over of South Africa's run-chase in the T20 World Cup final in Bridgetown with the Proteas needing 54 for victory off 36 deliveries. A savage onslaught from Heinrich Klaasen fetched 24 runs off the left-arm spinner's final over of the competition. South Africa's equation was down to 30 off 30, with six wickets in hand.Axar had had a superb World Cup in all three departments. Why, even in the final, it was his 31-ball 47, when promoted to No. 5, which ensured that India scored at a healthy clip despite Virat Kohli going 35 deliveries without a boundary at one stage. Even with the ball, his first three overs had yielded a more than acceptable 25, well below the required run rate at the start of the South African innings. Yet, if the Gujarat all-rounder felt as if he'd rather the earth opened and swallowed him whole, there was good reason to do so.A downcast Axar received his cap from the umpire, looking dazed, when his captain strode up to him and whispered words of encouragement. Rohit Sharma told Axar he had no reason to feel disappointed because even good deliveries had been sent beyond the fence by Klaasen. He wasn't saying it for effect or to soften the blow; Rohit is that kind of captain – empathetic, understanding, a solid figure of support in times of crises, but also unafraid to crack the whip if he perceives even the slightest slackening of effort.To take time off at a critical stage of the contest, with the game almost slipping away, when he had other things on his mind spoke to Rohit's unique leadership style. Five IPL titles as captain haven't transpired by chance or accident; Rohit is a fabulous man-manager, one of the most significant traits a captain must possess, apart from being an astute tactician and a great reader of the game.Rohit's mind was ticking after the Axar over that could have been the difference between ecstasy and agony. To find the wherewithal at that point to seek out the bowler and lift his spirits was a master-stroke, a typical Rohit gesture which is one of the reasons he is so adored by his teammates. Aware that no purpose would be served by dwelling on the six Axar deliveries that had seemingly altered the course of the final, Rohit chose to look forwards. He must have feared a reprisal of the 50-over World Cup final in Ahmedabad when India's perfect campaign came to a juddering halt against the Australian juggernaut, but he could ill afford to make his apprehensions apparent. Especially when in a spot, the team looks to the leader for inspiration and comfort.By maintaining a confident exterior, no matter the cesspool of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, Rohit was sending out a clear, voluble message – ‘We are still in it, lads’. He then marshalled his troops with the felicity and situational awareness of a celebrated general, tweaking the field here, making a change there. He brought Jasprit Bumrah on for the 16th over, maybe an over earlier than he would have liked, maybe not, for control. His undisputed spearhead responded by conceding only four.Then, after Hardik Pandya lucked it out by forcing Klaasen to feather a slower, wide ball outside off to Rishabh Pant, Rohit persisted with Bumrah for over No. 18 when normally he keeps him back for No. 19. Bumrah plucked out Marco Jansen's leg pole, conceding only two runs in that over. The balance of power had shifted inexorably during those two Bumrah overs, and India tightened the screws to complete a remarkable seven-win victory when defeat had appeared on the cards 30 minutes previously.After the last ball of the final had been delivered by Hardik, Rohit flung himself to the ground, prone, at cover and slapped the turf vehemently and repeatedly with his right palm. It was an outburst of naked emotion from someone who wears his emotion openly, but seldom loses control. In that one iconic gesture lay relief and delight, redemption and vindication. The T20 World Cup triumph wouldn't quite make up for defeat in the final of the longer white-ball World Cup, but considering the circumstances under which it came, Rohit would take it. Gladly. With feeling.Perhaps, in some quarters, India winning a World Cup under Rohit was taken for granted merely because he had piloted Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. If only life were that simple. Perhaps Rohit felt the weight of expectations, perhaps he was so gutted by defeat to Australia that he chose to extend his T20I career merely in pursuit of the pot of gold. By steering the team to the T20 crown against all odds, Rohit has stormed into rarefied territory, joining Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the only Indian World Cup-winning captains.‘It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy’ has been the overriding theme over the last three or so months. Nice guys, it seems, can and do finish first. Such has been the luminescence of his batting that Rohit’s leadership skills have often flown under the radar. Maybe in a way, he is an accidental Test captain because two and a half years before he embraced that role, he wasn’t even certain of his place in the Test XI, despite by then having spent six wildly fluctuating years as a Test cricketer.His elevation to the top of the batting order in the five-day game has come with unexpectedly spectacular consequences because, like in the white-ball formats, it’s as an opener that he has found his calling, entirely because of which the captaincy became his once Kohli decided to abdicate the throne. Rohit has overseen the first little period of transition in Indian Test cricket in a little while. It’s under him and head coach Rahul Dravid that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill positively flourished. He oversaw the debuts of a slew of untested but talented youngsters during the Test series against England, when his tactical skills and inner steel were severely tested with injuries crippling India’s batting, and he ensured those youngsters were presented with the right atmosphere in which to blossom and perform.His overwhelming desire to walk the talk and take it upon himself to be the first executor of the policy of unfettered batting aggression might have led to a decline in the tall edifices he used to erect with unerring regularity in both T20Is and ODIs, but the impact of his boisterous ball-bashing in the PowerPlay overs has had a cascading effect on his colleagues.It’s impossible not to be inspired by the selflessness of the leader when the said leader has a monumental three ODI double-tons and a record-equalling five T20I hundreds, but is now more fixated on a 25-ball 50 than a 60-ball century. Rohit belongs to the school that believes that you shouldn’t demand of others what you don’t do yourself. By leading from the front in espousing the theory of boldness and attack, he is now commanding the loyalty and admiration of his troops. Without saying it in as many words, Rohit’s resounding message is ‘Do as I say, and as I do’, because what he is saying and what he is doing are perfectly in sync with each other.Having realised a long-cherished ambition of helping India break their ICC trophy drought, Rohit has now walked away from the T20I game with little left to achieve. There is unfinished business yet in the other two versions; 2025 will witness the Champions Trophy, which India last won in 2013, as well as the third final of the World Test Championship. India have lost both preceding finals, to New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) respectively, a tribute to their consistency that they made both title rounds but a blow to their ego and dream that they couldn’t navigate the final step successfully. Within a few months next year, Rohit will have a grand chance to take India to the unprecedented heights they touched only under Dhoni, an exciting possibility that one is sure Rohit will approach with tempered optimism rather than with the fear of not making it happen.One of the boys Even though he is the undisputed leader – even a cursory glance will confirm that the eyes of all his nine outfielders are firmly trained on him between deliveries because he doesn’t suffer slackers gladly – Rohit has managed to remain one of the boys, sending his teammates into raptures with his pithy, often unprintable one-liners that carry not an iota of vindictiveness or malice. In a tense situation, he is the first with a joke, trying to lighten the mood not because he has to but because it comes naturally to him. He looks after the younger guys under him with the zest of a tigress protecting her cubs, though when it comes to reading the riot act, he has few equals. Rohit is a believer in tough love but is grudge-free and honest in his conversations and decision-making, qualities that separate the great leaders from the good ones. Indian cricket is fortunate that Rohit is the latest in a long line of terrific captains and leaders, but one of a kind when it comes to a lot of things – including tactical astuteness and terrific wit.

In the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, India's swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a triumphant return to the longest format with a dazzling century in the second innings. Pant's aggressive 128-ball 109, coupled with Shubman Gill's unbeaten 119, propelled India to set a formidable target of 515 for Bangladesh in the fourth innings.Pant's innings was a testament to his attacking prowess. After a cautious start, he gradually settled in and unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes. His audacious strokeplay left the Bangladesh bowlers reeling, as he dominated the Chepauk pitch.In a post-match interview, Pant revealed that India's skipper Rohit Sharma had given the batters an hour to bat at the lunch break on Day 3. This directive inspired Pant to aim for a score of 150 or more.Following Pant and Gill's batting masterclass, India's spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc in the fourth innings. Ashwin claimed a six-wicket haul, while Jadeja bagged three wickets, as Bangladesh succumbed to 234 all out.Ashwin's all-round performance, including a century in the first innings, earned him the Player of the Match award. India's comprehensive victory by 280 runs gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Rohit Sharma's Childhood Hero Worship: Skipping Class to Meet Virender SehwagRohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has always been vocal about his admiration for Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opener known for his aggressive and fearless batting style. One of the most memorable stories from Rohit's early cricketing days is when he skipped class to meet his batting idol.As a teenager with dreams of becoming a cricketer, Rohit was inspired by Sehwag's explosive starts and ability to dismantle even the best bowlers. When he found out that Sehwag was in town, he couldn't resist the opportunity to meet him. Determined to make it happen, Rohit bunked his class and headed to the stadium where Sehwag was training.Sneaking out of school, Rohit managed to get close enough to catch a glimpse of his hero. He was fortunate enough to also get an autograph from Sehwag, making the experience even more special. Years later, Rohit and Sehwag would share the Indian dressing room, where Rohit not only fulfilled his dream of meeting his idol but also played alongside him in international cricket.This story captures Rohit's early passion for the game and how a childhood hero can inspire a future legend. It highlights the importance of role models in shaping the next generation of cricketers. Rohit's admiration for Sehwag not only motivated him to pursue his cricketing dreams but also influenced his own aggressive batting style.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's Test all-rounder, not only excelled on the field but also off it, after being challenged by skipper Rohit Sharma to keep his conversation with presenter Harsha Bhogle shorter than his.Ashwin was called up for a chat by Bhogle after being named Player of the Match for his 6-for and hundred in the Chepauk Test. The all-rounder had everyone laughing as he spoke of the challenge Sharma had given him.Sharma, who had a lengthy conversation with Bhogle during the post-match presentation ceremony, had challenged Ashwin to keep his shorter. The all-rounder cheekily reminded Bhogle of the challenge in an attempt to wrap up the conversation early."He updated me saying that we would have a long chat. He is waiting to see how long this will go on for. I am sure he has put the timer on. Now it's shorter than his (chat)," Ashwin said after the match as the TV cameras shifted focus towards Sharma, who burst into laughter upon hearing what the Tamil Nadu-born star had to say.Ashwin relished playing in front of his home crowd. The 37-year-old went on to score his second consecutive Test ton at Chepauk and 6th overall in the longest format of the game.Earlier in the presentation ceremony, Sharma had said on Ashwin: "He's next in line to talk to you, he's the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he's always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don't know if I speak here, it'll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it's always so brilliant. He's never out of the game. The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that's what helped him as well to bat the way he did."Ashwin's performance in the Chepauk Test was a testament to his all-round abilities. He has established himself as one of India's most reliable players in the longest format of the game.

Rohit Sharma's leadership style as India's Test captain has been a topic of discussion, with many noting its distinct differences from that of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. While Kohli was known for his intense and aggressive approach, Sharma has adopted a more hands-on and supportive style.Sharma's approach emphasizes communication and guidance, with a focus on keeping his teammates motivated and engaged. His famous "garden mein ghoomne wala" comment, which he used to encourage his fielders to show more intensity, has become a viral sensation.However, Sharma's calm demeanor does not mean he lacks intensity. During the first Test against Bangladesh, he was seen expressing his frustration with a fielder, exclaiming, "Oye, soye hue hai sab log (Everybody is sleeping)."Despite his leadership style, Sharma has struggled to find his form against Bangladesh in Test cricket. In the first Test at Chennai, he scored only six and five in two innings, continuing his poor run against the Tigers. In four Tests and five innings against Bangladesh, he has managed just 44 runs at an average of 8.80.In contrast, Sharma's all-format numbers against Bangladesh are impressive, with 1,307 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.84. He has also scored three centuries and eight fifties against them.In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship, Sharma has scored 711 runs at an average of 41.82, including three centuries and three fifties.Despite his recent struggles against Bangladesh, Sharma remains a key figure in India's Test team. His leadership style and ability to motivate his teammates will be crucial as India looks to improve its performance in the longest format of the game.

Rohit Sharma's Playful Gesture Sparks Laughter in Indian Dressing RoomOn the second day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, a lighthearted moment occurred in the Indian dressing room that showcased the camaraderie within the team. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, playfully tapped Shubman Gill on the jaw, eliciting a smile from the young opener.Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, noticed the cameras capturing the scene and quipped, "Rohit, don't hit him too hard, he's still young." This remark drew laughter from the players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, and eased any tension in the dressing room.The incident highlighted the lighter side of cricket, where even in serious situations, players find ways to enjoy themselves and lift each other's spirits. It also demonstrated the strong bond between the Indian players, who have been known for their close-knit relationships on and off the field.Meanwhile, on the field, India extended their lead to an impressive 308 runs at the end of the second day. Gill remained unbeaten on 33, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 12 when play ended for the day.Earlier, Bangladesh struggled in their first innings, managing only 149 runs before being bowled out. Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets while conceding just 50 runs.India's commanding position heading into the third day of the Test match is a testament to their strong performance in both batting and bowling. The team will look to continue their dominance and secure a victory in the first Test of the series.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's struggles continued in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. After failing to make a significant impact in the first innings, Sharma once again fell cheaply in the second, dismissed for just 5 runs.Sharma's dismissal came in the 10th over of India's second innings. A short-of-length delivery from Taskin Ahmed flew off Sharma's outside edge, and Zakir Hasan made no mistake in completing the catch at third slip.The crowd at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium had been eagerly anticipating a better performance from Sharma in the second innings, but his early departure left them disappointed. Social media was also not kind to Sharma, with many users criticizing his performance.Sharma's struggles have raised concerns about his form and fitness. The Indian captain has not scored a Test century since September 2021, and his recent performances have been far below his usual standards.Meanwhile, Bangladesh were all out for 149 in their first innings, trailing India by a massive 227 runs. In reply, India posted a total of 376, with Ravichandran Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86) making significant contributions.Bangladesh's second innings was a disappointing affair, as they were bowled out for just 149 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the most successful bowler for India, claiming 4/50, while Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets each.Shakib Al Hasan top-scored for Bangladesh with 32, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the next best batter with 27 not out.With India enforcing the follow-on, Bangladesh face an uphill task to save the match. The hosts will be confident of securing a victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: A Journey of Growth and BrillianceRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, embarked on their international careers around the same time, their paths intertwined from the very beginning. Their early years were marked by a blend of learning, growth, and moments of brilliance that hinted at the greatness they would eventually achieve.Rohit's ODI debut came in June 2007, just ahead of the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. He made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial 50* against South Africa in the group stage and contributing to India's title-winning campaign. However, despite his early promise, Rohit struggled with consistency in his initial years, often batting in the middle order.Virat's debut followed a year later in 2008, after he led India to victory in the U-19 World Cup. Initially brought into the team as a replacement for senior players, he showcased his talent but, like Rohit, took time to establish himself. Kohli's early years saw him primarily used in the middle order, with his performances fluctuating as he adjusted to international cricket.In 2008, the Australian cricket team toured India for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India emerged victorious with a 2-0 margin, their most significant Test series win over Australia at the time. The series marked the retirement of Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly, two of India's most iconic cricketers.Prior to the Test matches, Australia played a tour match against the Indian Board President's XI in Hyderabad. This match proved to be a pivotal moment in the careers of Rohit and Virat. Batting together at the crease, they forged a remarkable 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket, showcasing their exceptional strokeplay and hinting at their future dominance in Indian cricket.Rohit and Virat both scored 105 runs in that innings, with Rohit facing 144 balls and Virat 146. Rohit's knock included 12 fours and 4 sixes, while Virat's featured 14 fours and a six. Their partnership propelled the Indian Board President's XI to a total of 455.From that moment forward, Rohit and Virat's careers took off. They grew in stature together, becoming pillars of Indian cricket. While Kohli's rise was more immediate, Rohit's breakthrough as an opener transformed his career, making them two of the most successful players in modern cricket.

Rohit Sharma: A Captain Who Empowers Bowlers and Values Individual StrengthsIndia's captain, Rohit Sharma, has earned the admiration of his teammates and fans alike for his approachable demeanor and effective leadership style. Beyond his on-field communication, Rohit's approach to captaincy involves empowering bowlers with freedom while meticulously planning strategies.According to India all-rounder Axar Patel, Rohit grants bowlers complete autonomy in executing their plans. However, he also conducts thorough research before matches, devising strategies not only for opposing teams but also for individual players."He doesn't like to overcomplicate things," Axar explained. "He comes in well-prepared, knowing which bowler to use in each situation. After that, he leaves it to us."Rohit's trust in his bowlers extends to allowing them to experiment with their plans. "If I ask for something specific, he'll approve it without hesitation," Axar said. "But if it doesn't work, he'll suggest alternatives."Axar emphasized the strong rapport he shares with Rohit, which has prevented any disagreements over decisions. "We have never argued," he said. "I trust his judgment implicitly."Rohit's captaincy philosophy also includes recognizing the strengths of each bowler, regardless of their handedness. "He doesn't believe that a left-arm bowler can't bowl to a left-handed batter or vice versa," Axar noted. "That's a sign of a great captain."In conclusion, Rohit Sharma's leadership style is characterized by empowering bowlers, conducting thorough research, and valuing individual strengths. His approach has fostered a positive team environment and contributed to India's recent successes.