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Ravichandran Ashwin Recalls Virat Calling Rohit As Captain’s Nightmare In Slog Overs
By CricShots - Sep 14, 2023 11:39 am
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Team India captain Rohit Sharma is one of the most feared batsmen in the world, especially in the latter stages of an innings. His ability to score big runs and finish games off with ease has made him a captain’s dream. Ashwin’s anecdote about Kohli’s conversation with him perfectly encapsulates Rohit’s ability to be a nightmare for opposition bowlers at the death. Rohit’s range of strokes and his ability to read the bowler’s intentions make him a difficult proposition to bowl to in any situation.

Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli took India home

“5-6 years back, Virat Kohli and I had a discussion while Rohit was batting. I don’t remember which match it was. Seeing Rohit bat, I was thinking, ‘Where do you even bowl to him? If Rohit is set after 15-20 overs, you wouldn’t know where to bowl to him.’ Virat asked me, ‘Do you know who is a captain’s nightmare at the death?’ “I asked, ‘Is it Dhoni?’ Kohli was like, ‘No, it is Rohit.’ When I asked him why, he said ‘you won’t know where to bowl’,”

Even at 36, Rohit remains a potent force in the Indian batting lineup. His performances in recent matches, including his impressive knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, have underlined his importance to the team.

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Rohit Sharma’s ability to stay at the crease well beyond the 30-over mark and prove to be a tough customer for the bowlers, even during the later stages of the innings, is one of his biggest strengths. Ashwin’s observation that Rohit makes batting look effortless and has got all the shots in the book is spot on.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s 264-run knock against Sri Lanka is a testament to his finishing prowess. He was dismissed on the final ball of the innings as India posted a mammoth score of 404/5 in 50 overs. This innings is a reminder of what Rohit Sharma is capable of when he gets going at the death.

With Rohit in the form that he is in, India can be confident of challenging for the title in the upcoming ODI World Cup. He is a captain’s dream, and his presence in the side will make the opposition bowlers sweat.

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Ravichandran Ashwin further stated that Rohit makes batting look effortless and has got all the shots in the book.

“If Rohit Sharma is batting at the end of the 16th over in a T20, where will you bowl? He has got all the shots in the book and once he played an extraordinary knock in Chinnaswamy stadium that Kohli can never forget, it seems. “Rohit Sharma has got all the shots, and he makes it look so effortless and easy.”