The Indian opening batsman Rohit Sharma has been in form of his life in recent times. With a century in the first of three ODIs in Trent Bridge, the series has started on a pleasant note as Eoin Morgan’s men facing a daunting and a must-win challenge in the second ODI at Lord’s. Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian skipper has highlighted the importance of Rohit’s presence in the starting lineup as well atop the order.

Ganguly said that it was indeed classy batting from Rohit Sharma. He added that the big difference between the two sides was the fact that the top three almost always get the runs required for the team.

As quoted in IndiaTV, Sourav said, “Class batting by Rohit. It was only time that would tell a different tale and Rohit has come out with some amazing innings. The timing of the shots, the sixes and when players like him stick on, they’ll go all the way. The difference between the two sides have been the top order batsmen.”

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Ganguly added that Indian Virat Kohli was the Most Valuable Player of India, but currently its Rohit Sharma, in the context of the Indian team in England at the very least. He said, “In the limited-overs format, after Virat Kohli, the most valuable player has been Rohit. And I still believe that there’s enough time for Rohit to make a major impact in Test cricket. There’s a saying, ‘One afternoon makes somebody a hero’. One innings is all it takes.”

Sourav also went on to add that he believes that Virat Kohli would certainly make a difference from the way he played the last time around. He said, “People keep stating that Virat hasn’t yet conquered England. If you don’t get Dhawan, Rohit, and Virat out early, you’re in deep trouble. They’re the backbone of the team and are absolute powerhouses.”