'People confuse Rohit Sharma as a laidback cricketer': Nasser Hussain busts myth about Team India captain

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has refuted the myth of Rohit Sharma being a “laidback cricketer.” India mauled England 4-1 in the Test series that concluded in Dharamsala. The Indian skipper stepped up individually to spearhead the home side’s campaign, scoring scored two centuries in the five matches against England. Seeing Rohit perform at such a high level, Nasser praised his brilliance on the field while also appreciating his style of leadership.

Nasser Hussain said on Sky Sports, “I think sometimes people confuse Rohit as a laidback cricketer who just lets the game drift. There is a lot of skill, thought and brilliance about his batting; and I thought he had an excellent series as captain.”

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Speaking in the same interview, Hussain also talked about why Rohit Sharma should not be mistaken for not having enough aggression. He also explained the difference between him and former Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

Nasser said, “Don’t confuse (Rohit’s captaincy as laidback) because he has come off the back of Virat Kohli. In your face, aggressive captain. In the huddle at Lord’s, saying let’s unleash hell on the England batting lineup. Rohit is not quite the same sort of person. He has that fire burning within.”

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Hussain also went on to explain how Rohit learned a lot about how to get things right in the India versus England series. Nasser talked about how the Indian skipper adapted his captaincy to allow Ravichandran Ashwin to perform with the new ball, a decision that worked well in India’s favour.

Also read| Rohit Sharma cares deeply, says Nasser Hussain

The highly-anticipated series between India and England began with a heartbreaking loss for the hosts. India were shocked by the Englishmen in Hyderabad. Team India, however, scripted a prompt comeback to secure victories in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala. Captain Rohit himself produced a terrific 131-run knock in Rajkot followed by another 103 runs in Dharamsala.

Rohit will be leading India at the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played later this year in June. They will be playing their first game against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The Indian skipper is currently preparing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season where he will be representing the Mumbai Indians (MI).