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Former Indian batter Yuvraj Singh has come in defense of Indian captain Rohit Sharma ahead of high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan on February 23 in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Notably, Rohit has been inconsistent in the last six months in international cricket. Although, ‘Hitman’ could return with only 42 runs in four Test innings against Bangladesh, his performances went unnoticed due to the side’s 2-0 whitewash.
However, Rohit Sharma struggled to get going in the three-match Test series against New Zealand, where he could score only 91 runs. India were handed a 3-0 loss in the series, which put the Indian captain under pressure ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia.
Rohit failed badly in the BGT as well, accumulating only 31 runs in five innings, and sitting out of the final Test due to bad form.
Then, he registered scores of 2, 119, 1 in the England series ahead of the Champions Trophy. Although, his 32nd ODI hundred brought smiles to the fans, there were doubts whether Rohit can provide a good start to the Indian team.
In the first game against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma opted for a positive approach to score of 41 off 36, with seven fours, before getting dismissed while playing a big shot.
As per Yuvraj, Rohit has been a match-winner for the Indian white-ball side along with Virat Kohli. He feels that despite Rohit’s inconsistency in converting his starts, the right-hander is damaging opposition in the powerplay overs. Here’s what he said on JioHotstar’s ‘Greatest Rivalry Returns’:
“Rohit Sharma, whether in form or out of form, it doesn’t matter to me. I would always back my match-winners. In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India’s biggest match-winner as a batsman, alongside Virat Kohli.”
“If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that’s dangerous for the opposition. If he’s in form, he will score a century in 60 balls. That’s his quality—once he gets going, he’s not just hitting fours; he’s clearing the ropes with sixes. He is also one of the best players of the short ball,” he added.
Rohit Sharma praises Shubman Gill and Mohammad Shami for their impressive performances
Indian captain Rohit Sharma lauded Shubman Gill and Mohammad Shami, who were the finest performers for the side in their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh.
Notably, Shami returned with figures of 5/53 off 10 overs and became the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets. Meanwhile, Gill remained unbeaten on 101 off 129 to seal the chase for the Men in Blue.
“As a team, I thought we adapted to the conditions really well, with the bowling and with the bat as well. Very happy for Shami. Long time waiting. We know what he brings for us. The quality he has. Every time we throw the ball at him he’s got something up his sleeve and we need guys like him to step up in big moments. Gill, we know the class he has. He’s been batting brilliantly of late and today what he showed us, it shouldn’t surprise anyone. What was good to see was he was there till the end,” Rohit said.
Rohit Sharma and Co. will clash against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. It is worth mentioning that it will a do-or-die game for the Men in Green, if they want to qualify for the semifinals.
