Shardul Thakur recently spoke highly of India captain Rohit Sharma, describing him as a batter of exceptional class who should never be doubted based on a temporary dip in form. Thakur, who has played alongside Rohit for both Mumbai and India, dismissed concerns about his teammate's performances, firmly believing that the star opener always finds a way to bounce back. The pacer highlighted Rohit’s match-winning abilities, pointing to his recent century against England in the second ODI at Cuttack as clear evidence of his enduring brilliance. He recalled a conversation they had before the series, where Rohit, despite recent struggles, displayed immense self-belief and assured him that it was only a matter of time before the runs started flowing again.
Leading up to the England series, Rohit’s form had been under scrutiny, with critics questioning his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. However, he responded in an emphatic fashion, smashing 119 runs off just 90 balls in Cuttack. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he dispatched the bowlers with ease, striking 12 boundaries and seven towering sixes. Thakur, reflecting on the innings, said that Rohit never once looked out of form, emphasizing that luck often plays a role in cricket, and sometimes a batter just needs one good knock to turn things around.
Thakur also spoke about Mumbai’s recent Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir, where both he and Rohit were part of the squad. While the Indian skipper did not make a significant impact in that game, Thakur pointed out that he looked extremely comfortable in the nets, timing the ball well and exuding confidence. He insisted that one poor domestic outing should never be used to judge a player of Rohit’s caliber, especially given his track record of winning matches for India across all formats.
Opening the batting in international cricket is one of the toughest challenges, and Thakur reminded critics that facing the new ball requires immense skill and adaptability. He urged fans and analysts to show patience, arguing that Rohit’s vast experience and history of producing big knocks in crucial moments make him an invaluable asset to the Indian team. He pointed to past instances where Rohit had silenced doubters with his performances and reiterated that his century against England was yet another example of his ability to rise to the occasion.
With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Rohit’s return to form is a massive boost for India. His leadership and batting prowess will play a crucial role in determining how far the team goes in the tournament. Thakur expressed complete faith in Rohit’s ability to lead from the front and continue delivering match-winning performances. He described Rohit as a player who possesses a rare combination of elegance, power, and composure, making him one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket.
