Deep Dasgupta, a former wicketkeeper, commended Rohit Sharma’s batting strategy, saying it had helped Team India overcome its fear of failure as they advance towards World Cup glory.
The Men in Blue have amassed three remarkable victories in as many games after an outstanding Asia Cup campaign and series victory against Australia before going to the competition. In the previous two years of 50-over cricket, Rohit has been in scorching form, attacking the bowling from the get-go.
The 36-year-old has scored 217 runs at an average of 72.33 and a strike rate of over 142, placing him fourth among World Cup scorers.
Dasgupta said that he was afraid of India’s reserved attitude despite being the favourites to win, until Rohit Sharma’s courageous hitting.
“The fearlessness with which India are playing… I will be very honest, before the tournament, I was asked about it, I said India are firm favorites but I also was worried that one thing that can stop this team is the fear of failure.”
“The thinking of ‘what will happen if I don’t score runs’. We saw that in the T20 World Cups in the past,” he continued. “We saw that bit of fear in the past. However, the way in which Rohit has led and the way in which Rohit has batted, the fear of failure has gone, at least that’s what I feel.”
Deep Dasgupta
Former wicketkeeper, emphasized the importance of Team India maintaining their current approach even if they face a few losses during the tournament.
“They are just going out there and expressing themselves. See, maybe no team would go on to win 9 out of 9 in the league stage. Going forward, India might lose a match. But that should not change the manner in which India are playing.”
Deep Dasgupta
With victories in all three of their initial games, India and New Zealand are still the only two teams in the competition to stay unblemished.
To begin their campaign, the Asian giants upset five-time world champions Australia. This was followed by thrashings of Asian rivals Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“Written all over this team that it’s Rohit’s team” – Deep Dasgupta
Deep Dasgupta praised Rohit Sharma for keeping things lighthearted off the field and for being personable, which allowed the players to play freely.
The 36-year-old has an impressive record as the captain of Team India, with 71 wins out of 97 games across formats. He successfully led them to the World Test Championship (WTC) final this year and reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup last year.
“He has a sense of humour. He keeps it light. It’s written all over this team that it’s Rohit’s team. It’s very simple. Everyone has clarity, everyone knows what to do, and everyone has freedom. Rohit is very approachable. He is like that. There is a stamp that I can see, it’s Rohit Sharma’s team.”
“This team is like Rohit Sharma as a human being. Simple, clear, out there, funny, easy. It’s showing. I am not saying that India have won 3 out of 3 because of that. But, it generally looks like that.”
Deep Dasgupta
In addition, Rohit has led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL championships since taking over as captain in 2013.
On Thursday, October 19, Team India will compete in Pune against Bangladesh, its third straight Asian rival.