Ravichandran Ashwin recently praised Team India captain Rohit Sharma, highlighting his tactical acumen and thorough preparations alongside the coaching staff and analysts, who have been pivotal in steering the team through major series and tournaments. Rohit was a key figure in India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the West Indies and the USA, where India remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
At 37, Rohit boasts an impressive record as India’s captain across all formats, having won 93 out of 126 matches, giving him a remarkable winning percentage of 73.80.
Ashwin on Rohit’s Strategic Approach and Leadership Style
In a conversation on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel, Ashwin elaborated on Rohit’s leadership.
“If there’s a big match or series on the horizon, Rohit collaborates closely with the analytics team and coach to strategize, whether it’s identifying a batsman’s weakness or formulating a bowler’s plan. That’s his strength, but he also ensures the team environment remains light and supportive. When he picks a player for the XI, he backs them completely. I’ve spent most of my career under these three captains.”
Ashwin added:
“There are a few things I appreciate about Rohit’s captaincy. He actively maintains a light atmosphere within the team, and he’s very balanced and tactically strong. While Dhoni and Virat were also tactically adept, Rohit tends to focus more on the nuances of strategy.”
Rohit recently retired from T20Is following the T20 World Cup but continues as India’s captain in ODIs and Test matches, with Suryakumar Yadav succeeding him in the T20 format. Besides his international achievements, Rohit has also led Mumbai Indians (MI) to all their five IPL titles.
Ashwin also drew parallels between Rohit and former coach Gautam Gambhir, noting similarities in their leadership styles despite their different personalities. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gambhir succeeded Rahul Dravid as India’s coach, making his debut during the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
“Gauti bhai is intense. Rohit and Gauti bhai have similar leadership styles, but Rohit keeps it light. Gauti bhai is very passionate about Indian cricket, just like Rahul bhai. They’re both passionate, but they have different personalities,” Ashwin observed.
Gambhir’s coaching stint had a mixed start, with India losing to Sri Lanka 0-2 in ODIs after a 3-0 T20I series win. Ashwin is set to play his first match under Gambhir’s coaching when India faces Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting on September 19.