Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has lauded Rohit Sharma for his another explosive innings at the top of the order. Rohit scored a blistering knock of 46 runs off just 40 balls with the help of four fours and as many sixes against New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala on Sunday.
India was chasing 274 runs against the Kiwis and Rohit was once again able to hit the ground running. In fact, there was some help on offer for Matt Henry and Trent Boult but Rohit decided to back his aggressive approach and took the attack against New Zealand’s opening pair of fast bowlers.
Rohit added 71 runs for the opening alliance with Shubman Gill, who played second fiddle in the partnership. In fact, Rohit has adopted an aggressive batting mantra in the ongoing ODI showpiece and he has scored 311 runs in five matches at an average of 62.20 and a blistering strike rate of 133.48.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “If leading from the front had a face, it is Rohit Sharma. 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.”
“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.”
In fact, Rohit shimmied down the track against Matt Henry to hit him for a massive six despite the fact he was beaten on the crease on the previous ball.
“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.”
The reputed commentator called Virat Kohli as the living legend for his match-winning knock of 95 runs under pressure. Kohli was once again at his usual best and played a key role in India’s four-wicket victory.
“Virat Kohli’s story is different. He is a living legend. The greatness is because he understands how to take the game forward, the demands of the situation, the sort of conditions that are there, and the pace at which he needs to pull the match.”
India will next take on reigning champions England at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday.
