Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped high praise on Rohit Sharma, crediting him for transforming India’s white-ball batting approach. The 37-year-old Indian captain, who took full charge of the white-ball setup in December 2021, once again proved his worth on the grandest stage, guiding India to their third Champions Trophy title with a match-winning knock of 76 off 83 balls against New Zealand.

His composed innings in the final, played in Dubai, earned him the Player of the Match award and further cemented his legacy as one of India’s finest ODI batters. Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin analyzed Rohit’s innings and lauded his controlled aggression against New Zealand’s bowlers.

Ravichandran Ashwin particularly highlighted how Rohit dominated Nathan Smith, never allowing the pacer to settle into a rhythm. “It wasn’t like the Ahmedabad World Cup final,” Ashwin noted. “The way he attacked Nathan Smith, he didn’t let him come back into the game. His intent was so good.”

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Ashwin, who was part of India’s victorious squads in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, emphasized that Rohit’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s resurgence since their heartbreaking 10-wicket loss to England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal.

“He has led by example since that defeat. When a captain is willing to risk his wicket to set the tone, the rest of the team follows,” he explained. According to Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit’s true legacy isn’t just about the trophies he has won as captain—including five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians and back-to-back ICC titles for India. Instead, his biggest contribution has been reshaping India’s batting philosophy in white-ball cricket.

“Winning tournaments isn’t his greatest legacy. He has revolutionized Indian white-ball batting. That is what he will be remembered for,” Ashwin stated.

He elaborated on how Rohit’s approach has altered the mindset of batters at all levels. “Earlier, the aim was to score big runs and stay not out, especially for the top three batters. That was the norm in Indian cricket. Even in junior levels, the focus was on averages and long innings,” Ashwin observed. “But now, in ODIs and T20Is, selfless cricket is the way forward. Rohit Sharma has set that example—not just with his words, but with his own fearless batting.”

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Concluding his praise, Ashwin wished Rohit continued success, calling him “an absolute superstar” whose impact on Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.