India’s out of favour batsman Suresh Raina had recently stated that Rohit Sharma is the next MS Dhoni. Raina has played the majority of his career under the leadership of MS Dhoni. The southpaw batsman had also played under Rohit Sharma in the Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup and observed that Rohit’s captaincy style is similar to MS Dhoni as he leads with a calm mind on his shoulder.
Raina was full of praise for Rohit Sharma and had likened the captaincy style of Rohit Sharma with MS Dhoni. However, Rohit Sharma has played down the comparisons with MS Dhoni.
“I would say he (Rohit Sharma) is the next MS Dhoni for the Indian cricket team,” Raina said on The Super Over Podcast.
“I have seen him, he is calm, he likes to listen, he likes to give confidence to the players and on top of that, he likes to lead from the front. When the captain leads from the front and at the same time, he gives respect to the dressing room atmosphere, you know you have it all,” he added.
Rohit added that Dhoni is one of a kind and nobody can be like him. The Indian opener stated that such comparisons should not be made by anyone. Rohit shares a great respect for MS Dhoni and it was Dhoni who had promoted Rohit as an opener in the 2013 Champions Trophy and it played a key role in turning the tables for the batsman.
Rohit was able to grab his opportunity and didn’t look back in his career as he delivered the goods consistently while opening the batting. Thus, Dhoni had played a key role in Rohit Sharma’s career.
“Yes, I heard about that comment from Suresh Raina. MS Dhoni is one of a kind and nobody can be like him and I believe comparisons should not be made like that, every individual is different and has his strengths and weaknesses,” Rohit Sharma said in a video on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has learned a lot from MS Dhoni and there are common attributes as both of them are calm on the field when they lead. Rohit is the most successful IPL captain as he has taken Mumbai Indians to four IPL titles whereas MS Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings to three IPL crowns.
Both the franchises are one of the most consistent teams in the IPL history. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni will be in action for Chennai Super Kings whereas Rohit Sharma will lead Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL, set to be played in the UAE from September 19.
