Renowned Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has expressed his confidence in Rohit Sharma’s performance in the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The tournament is slated to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, with the opening match between 2019 finalists England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India’s campaign will kick off against the five-time champions Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Despite India’s semifinal exit in the previous edition, Rohit Sharma showcased an impressive campaign in 2019, emerging as the top run-scorer with five centuries among his achievements. With a remarkable total of 648 runs from nine matches at an average of 81.00, he shone brightly in the tournament.

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Speaking to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Sehwag asserted that the upcoming World Cup will witness prolific performances by opening batsmen. He confidently predicted that Rohit Sharma will emerge as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, highlighting the elevated energy levels and heightened performance of the Indian captain in events like the ODI World Cup.

“In my opinion, due to India’s favorable pitch conditions, openers will have more opportunities. If I had to choose one player, it would be Rohit Sharma. While there are several contenders, being an Indian, I’m inclined to choose Rohit Sharma,” Virender Sehwag remarked. He elaborated, “Rohit Sharma’s energy and performance tend to escalate during World Cups. Moreover, he is the captain this time, which will undoubtedly make a difference, and he is bound to score extensively.”

Aakash Chopra, former India opener, also echoed the sentiment that Rohit Sharma will leave a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup. Chopra stated that if Rohit plays in all nine matches, he foresees the India skipper registering two centuries and a “daddy hundred” as an opener.

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As Aakash Chopra expressed, “When we discuss the top three, the sense of superiority emerges – ‘Better than all the others, our India.’ With Shubman Gill alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following, we exude this sentiment.” Chopra highlighted Rohit’s formidable track record, showcasing over 9800 runs, 30 centuries, an average of almost 49, and a strike rate of 90. This led Chopra to confidently predict, “If Rohit Sharma plays all nine matches, he should score two centuries and a daddy hundred as an opener. I’m anticipating that.”