'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Rohit Sharma's leadership has not only brought a fresh perspective to Indian cricket but also shaped the team into a more aggressive and fearless unit. As captain, he has revolutionized the approach, particularly in white-ball cricket, leading India to key moments with solid decision-making.
Whether defending players, making unconventional choices during World Cup matches, or giving opportunities to youngsters, Rohit Sharma's leadership has been inspiring and influential for Indian cricket.
In 2023, when many thought his time as captain may be nearing its end, Rohit defied expectations and led India with renewed vigor. The 2024 T20 World Cup, in particular, showed his ability to make bold and unconventional decisions in high-pressure situations, which speaks volumes about Rohit being a transformative leader.
That said, here are five key decisions Rohit Sharma made that have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
5 Rohit Sharma decisions that have changed Indian cricket forever
#5 Backing Shubman Gill over Ishan Kishan
After veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan was dropped, Ishan Kishan was expected to fill the spot, especially after his double-century against Bangladesh. However, Rohit Sharma made the bold call to back Shubman Gill instead, despite Kishan being in top form.
This decision paid off as Gill has become a key player in India's ODI setup. In early 2023, he racked up three centuries in six ODIs against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, including a double hundred, He also played some influential knocks in the 2023 World Cup.
#4 Playing Sarfaraz Khan instead of going back to Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been long-standing pillars of the Indian Test team, handling the middle order. However, with them being out of the scheme of things, India has experimented with the middle order in the format.
While it could always have been easy to return to the veterans with immense experience, Rohit once again showcased his ability to make bold decisions by including the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Sarfaraz, in particular, has been a key performer, scoring a century in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. This approach shows his forward and futuristic thinking as captain.
#3 Reviving Kuldeep Yadav's career
Another crucial decision by Rohit was to bring Kuldeep Yadav back into the team after the spinner had been out for a significant period. Kuldeep was struggling to find a place in the team. However, he was brought back as India's lead spinner in ODIs and T20Is.
This move did prove to be a masterstroke as Kuldeep played a key role in India's run to the final at the 2023 ODI World Cup. His performances were instrumental and Rohit's belief in the left-arm spinner was well-founded.
#2 Tactical masterstrokes at the 2024 T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma's tactical genius was on full display during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he made several crucial decisions for the team. For example, in a high-stakes clash against Pakistan, Rohit made an out-of-the-box call to promote Axar Patel ahead of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
This move paid off as Axar helped India to a fighting score with a crucial knock. In the same game, his decision to bring Jasprit Bumrah back early to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan proved to be a game-changing moment.
His ability to think ahead of the game shone brilliantly in the final against South Africa. With the Proteas needing just 27 runs off 28 balls, everything seemed all but over for India. At that point, Rohit turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl. While many thought this was a risky call, Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen which opened the door for India to stage a comeback and they went on to win the final eventually.
#1 Revamping India's approach in white-ball cricket
Rohit Sharma contributed significantly in 2023 when he revamped India's approach in white-ball cricket. Known for cautious starts and a careful approach, India shifted to an aggressive style of play under Rohit, attacking from the word go.
This shift caught opponents off guard and also altered the team's dynamics. India's showing at the 2023 ODI World Cup exemplified this new style. Although their dream run eventually came to a halt when they crashed to Australia in the final, this approach has reshaped the way India play white-ball cricket.
