Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has hailed Rohit Sharma as a “brilliant captain” and claimed that the Indian skipper does not have a set formula and adapts according to the situation.
Axar Patel spoke about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy methods during last month’s T20 World Cup. Under Rohit’s leadership, India won the T20 World Cup after a long gap of 17 years. The triumph also ended India’s 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. India created history in the competition by becoming the first team to win the T20 World Cup without losing a single match.
Rohit’s captaincy was on point throughout the competition as he had the answer for any situation. He was at his best in the final when India was between a rock and a hard place. At 177, South Africa were at 151/4 after 16 overs and needed just 26 runs in the last 4 overs. However, Rohit led his team brilliantly to propel India to a monumental 7-run victory.
“Rohit Sharma is a brilliant captain. If you look at his captaincy during the World Cup, you won’t find a set formula. In some matches, I bowled two overs in the PowerPlay, while in others, Jasprit Bumrah bowled early. There was no specific pattern,” Axar Patel told Cricbuzz.
“Similarly, in batting, I didn’t always move up the order. In the final, Shivam Dube batted ahead of Hardik Pandya. It was all very tactical, showcasing his ability to think strategically in different situations, determining which player would perform the best,” he added.
Rohit is known for providing that kind of support: Axar Patel
Axar Patel spoke about what makes Rohit Sharma so special as a captain. He recalled the support he received from the captain when Heinrich Klaasen left him with nothing in the T20 World Cup final.
In the 15th over of the innings, the South African wicketkeeper-batsman smashed Axar Patel for two sixes and as many fours to add 24 runs in the over. Klaasen’s attack took South Africa to 147 for 4 after 15 overs and reduced the equation to 30 runs in the last 30 overs.
The left-handed bowler finished his quota with figures of 1 for 49. While Axar was disappointed with his performance, captain Rohit was quick to cheer him up with some motivational words. Axar revealed that Rohit not only motivated him but also told him not to worry.
“In the final, when Heinrich Klaasen was aggressive with me, Rohit came to me and calmed me down by saying, ‘It’s okay. You bowled as best as you could. If he hits a good shot, there’s not much you can do. Just focus on the next ball,'” Axar recalled.
“His support and encouragement boosted my confidence. After completing the over, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Well done. Don’t worry.’ Such conversations from your captain lift you up and keep you motivated on the field. Rohit excels at providing such support,” he added.
Both Axar and Rohit will be in action next during India’s tour of Sri Lanka. Rohit, who has retired from T20Is, will lead the team in the three-match ODI series. On the other hand, Axar is part of both white-ball teams. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team in the T20Is.
