‘As a player he always has a plan, as a leader he surprises you mostly’ - Vikram Rathour on Rohit Sharma

India captain Rohit Sharma is a true leader in every sense. Despite being the most lethal top-order batsmanfor most of his career, he has always been the bowlers’ captain, and one example of this was visible during the 2024 T20 World Cup Final. When South Africa needed 30 off five overs, Rohit knew taking wickets would only help his team win from there; so, without bothering to keep Bumrah available for the last over, he finished his quota earlier, which eventually helped India win the title and end the ICC trophy drought.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour, who sat on the sidelines watching Rohit pull off a masterstroke, lauded the India captain for being intelligent and sensible in his decision-making.

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“He is tactically very good as a captain. In the T20 World Cup final, he finished Bumrah's over early. A lot of people must have questioned that decision, but that decision put us in the situation, where 16 was needed in the last over. His tactical decisions on the field are spot on.

“Sitting outside It surprises you as a coach as well. We from outside sometimes think what he is doing, but then you realise what he has done after a while," Rathour said on the podcast 'Find a Way with Taruwar Kohli'.

‘Rohit understands his game’

Rohit was the right successor to Virat Kohli as the India captain, and ever since he donned that hat, Rohit has not failed to deliver.

Although India came close to winning its maiden World Test Championship Final last year and the home ODI World Cup, he got the job done in the shortest format, helping India lift their second T20 World Cup title.

"His first quality is that as a batsman, he is a phenomenal player. I think he is someone who understands his game really well. He always has a clear game plan. Even as a leader, you will have to lead from the front. You have to perform to set the example. And since he has become the captain, he has always led by example," Rathour continued.

During the England series earlier this year, five players - Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan and Akash Deep made their international debuts under Rohit’s captaincy. Everyone praised Rohit for his leadership skills on the ground and how he made them comfortable outside of it,.

Speaking on the same lines, Rathour said, "He is a player's captain. He is invested with the players heavily. I have never seen a captain, who is so invested in team meetings and strategies. He spends a lot of time on the team's strategy. He is part of the bowlers' meeting, batters' meeting. He wants to sit with the bowlers and batters to try and understand what they are thinking. He invests a lot of time with the players,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Rohit will next be seen during the two-match home series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.

(With inputs from agencies)