Aakash Chopra has stated that Rohit Sharma’s aggressive beginnings are making the duties of the other Indian batters simpler in the 2023 World Cup.
On Sunday, Rohit Sharma hammered 40 runs off 24 deliveries as India set South Africa a 327-run goal in Kolkata. The Indian bowlers then bowled the Proteas out for 83 runs to enable their team win by 243 runs.
In a video posted to his YouTube account on India’s batting, Chopra praised Rohit for his aggressive attitude. He elaborated:
“Rohit Sharma scored only 40 runs but he is doing something different for the Indian team. 62 runs had been scored when he got out after 5.5 overs and he had scored 40. When you give a rocket-like start, you give everyone an opportunity to take their time.”
Aakash Chopra
Former India opener said the skipper’s flamboyant knocks had greater effect than centuries. He stated:
“We judge everyone by centuries in the end. He made five centuries last time but India couldn’t win. The way he is playing here, he is absolutely magical. In this entire tournament, there hasn’t been a single match where either (Virat) Kohli or Rohit hasn’t scored over 85 runs.”
Aakash Chopra
During his 40-run innings, Rohit smashed six fours and two sixes. In his eight innings in the competition, the opener has hammered 442 runs at an astounding strike rate of 122.77.
Kohli and Iyer’s partnership saves India from tough batting phase: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also praised Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer for forging an important partnership in the middle overs. He went on to say:
“Then there was a partnership – Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli. That was a tough phase to bat because Keshav Maharaj was bowling at one spot and Temba Bavuma got him to bowl his 10 overs at a stretch. He had already picked up a wicket and you weren’t getting singles.”
Aakash Chopra
The renowned analyst commended the pair for not losing their wickets under duress. He noticed:
So what was Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli’s response in such a case – they soaked the pressure. This is the difference you are seeing from other teams because the other teams start playing the big shots whenever they are put under pressure. They play big shots and get out.”
Aakash Chopra praised Shreyas for taking on the role of aggressor as his innings proceeded, and Kohli for playing the supporting role to perfection. He stated:
“Shreyas Iyer has scored two consecutive half-centuries. He played with a lot of intent in the last match and he hit very good sixes here as well. The ability to take a big stride and hit straight sixes is a special skill. Shreyas scored more runs in the partnership and Virat always keeps his ego aside.”
Aakash Chopra
During his 87-ball 77, Shreyas hit seven fours and two sixes. Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten 101 from 121 deliveries, including 10 fours.
