Head coach Rahul Dravid showered accolades on skipper Rohit Sharma, lauding his exemplary leadership on and off the field during the Men's ODI World Cup 2023. Dravid, addressing the media in anticipation of India's final preliminary league clash against the Netherlands on Sunday, commended Rohit's stellar contributions.
Dravid emphasized that Rohit has not only been fantastic in terms of performance but has also set a commendable example with his conduct both on and off the cricket ground. The Indian captain's impact is particularly evident in the way he has orchestrated strong starts for the team, launching aggressive attacks on the opposition's bowling. In the course of eight matches, Rohit amassed an impressive 442 runs.
Furthermore, Dravid highlighted Rohit's astute leadership, citing his decisiveness in making strategic bowling changes and adept game reading. Rohit Sharma's multifaceted contributions have played a pivotal role in India's journey in the ODI World Cup, showcasing his prowess as a captain and a formidable batsman."Rohit has certainly been a leader, you know, without a doubt. I think he's led by example both on and off the field. Some of the starts that he's given us, the way he's cracked open games for us. There have been some games where it could have been tricky for us, but the fact that he's been able to get us to those kinds of starts has literally cracked open the game," Rahul Dravid said in the pre-match press conference ahead of India's clash with the Netherlands on Sunday.
David said besides batting, Rohit Sharma has also excelled with his leadership in the field.
"So, I think he's been fantastic, which is his batting, the leadership that he's shown and taking on the game, in leading from the front. We've talked about playing in a particular way. You cannot do that unless your leader really buys in and actually shows by example. And it's been terrific to see the way Rohit's done that. And I think his captaincy has obviously been fantastic as well.
"It's been very good for a long time. He's someone who's certainly got the respect of the group and the team. Certainly, got the respect of our coaching staff. And it's been a pleasure to see him operate the way he has, both on and off the field, like I said. And I think he's truly someone who's, you know, deserves all the success that he's been getting. And hopefully, it may continue," said Dravid.
Dravid heaped praise on Rohit Sharma and said the India captain has made things look easy.
"So, in the end, it's actually looked easy, but on reflection as a coaching staff, when we looked at it, we've realised the impact that meetings like that of his innings have had on games like that, that have made it look easy for us and certainly made it easier for the guys who followed in that department," he said.
Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India stands on the brink of surpassing their previous record for the most consecutive victories in a World Cup campaign. The team's current winning streak is poised to eclipse the achievement set under Sourav Ganguly's leadership in 2003 when India triumphed in 8 consecutive matches. Rohit Sharma's captaincy has propelled the squad to remarkable success, drawing parallels with the historic performance during Ganguly's tenure. This impending milestone underscores the team's exceptional form and resilience in the ongoing World Cup campaign.
(With Agency Inputs)
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