Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa praised Rohit Sharma’s great captaincy during the 2024 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan in New York on June 9. Uthappa was particularly thrilled when Rohit refused to begin the bowling with Jasprit Bumrah.
Despite defending a modest 119, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj began the bowling and bowled the first two overs. Bumrah eventually came in and delivered another match-winning spell of 3/14 in four overs, guiding India to a dramatic six-run triumph.
Uthappa discussed Rohit’s captaincy post-game on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, saying:
“What I loved about the second innings was Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. It was class, responsive captaincy. Anyone else in Rohit Sharma’s place, defending 119 would have brought on the trump card in the first over. But Rohit said ‘no’. He trusted everyone, he kept faith in each one of them. He said ‘you come and execute your role’. In doing that, he actually gave them confidence not just for this match, but for the rest of the tournament.”
Robin Uthappa
He added:
“He was saying ‘I trust your ability to bowl where you have to bowl’. Brought Arshdeep in the first over, gave Siraj his second over and then he went to Bumrah for the two most important overs in the powerplay. What did Bumrah do? He nearly got a wicket in his first over. And when he came back to bowl the fifth over, he picked the wicket of Babar Azam. He then gave Siraj another over in the 7th over.”
Robin Uthappa
Bumrah received his second consecutive Player of the Match award for his exploits against Ireland in India’s first game.
Despite going wicketless, Siraj contributed significantly to India’s victory with statistics of 0/19 in four overs, while Arshdeep took 1/31 in four overs.
“Typically vice-captain role. Top cricket” – Robin Uthappa on Hardik Pandya
Robin Uthappa hailed allrounder Hardik Pandya for his impressive performance despite a slow start in the Pakistan clash.
The 30yearold initially leaked 18 runs off his first two overs but he made a strong comeback to conclude with exceptional figures of 2/24 in four overs.
“It was just out of the top draw, Rohit Sharma. Brilliant, brilliant captaincy! All the bowlers responded well. Even Hardik Pandya. In the first two overs, I think he gave away 18 runs. Then he got two wickets and gave away just 7 or 6 runs. 4 overs, 24, 2 wickets. Typically vice-captain role. Top cricket.”
Robin Uthappa
Hardik Pandya also shined with the ball in India’s opening match against Ireland, scoring 3/27.
India will try to continue their winning streak when they face co-hosts USA on Wednesday, June 12.