In the context of a World Cup, every performance is scrutinized, especially if it is India at a home World Cup, and much more so if the captain is leading the way. Rohit Sharma began this season with a duck against Australia, but since then, he has found his range and essentially finished two matches within the first powerplay.
He hit 76 runs off 43 deliveries in the first 10 overs against Afghanistan, and he followed it up with 45 runs off 30 balls against Pakistan. Even against Bangladesh and New Zealand, he blasted through the opening 7-8 overs, allowing the middle order to take their time and never worry about the asking rate.
For a long time building up to the World Cup, Rohit Sharma has shown a high degree of intent in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Since assuming captaincy in 2022, a total of 35 batsmen have scored 300 runs or more in ODIs during the first powerplay. Only two batters have achieved this feat with a strike rate greater than Rohit’s remarkable 111.
As of now, he is barely behind Virat Kohli in the batting statistics for 2018 World Cup. He has already scored 311 runs at an average of 62 in five innings. He’s let Virat Kohli march into the center of the field and take command of the run chases.
The secret behind Virat Kohli’s World Cup brilliance
Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja partnered brilliantly in the match against New Zealand, scoring 78 runs that put India within striking reach of their sixth victory. The pattern was identical to what happened against Bangladesh; Virat Kohli cruised through the middle phase before flipping the switch at the tail end of the innings.
From the very first match of this tournament, he has shown his determination. In India’s opening match against Australia, when the team was struggling at 2 for 3, Virat Kohli partnered with KL Rahul and successfully handled all the pressure. His performance led the team to victory – exactly what India needed to start their campaign.
When asked about Kohli’s outstanding performance in the World Cup, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was left speechless. Kohli has been truly exceptional, scoring a total of 354 runs in five innings, including three half-centuries and one century.
“Honestly, there’s not much more to add. We’ve witnessed his incredible consistency over the years. He maintains a composed demeanor and backs himself to deliver,” the captain said about Kohli.
Rohit Sharma
For an outsider, the Indian squad appears calm, with all of the players clearly understanding their jobs, putting their heads down, and getting the job done. In the opening 10 overs, Rohit Sharma is fast off the blocks, setting the early template and deflating bowling attacks, and then Virat Kohli steps out, settles things down, and marches towards victory.
In general, both players have been critical to Team India’s outstanding performance in the World Cup thus far. While Kohli’s presence in the batting order helps Rohit to go slam-bang from ball one, the latter’s outstanding starts have assisted Kohli in leading India to victory.
Both of the Men in Blue’s excellent hitters must continue their momentum for the Men in Blue to win the event.