Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik paid a poignant tribute to Rohit Sharma on Saturday, saying that during his tenure as captain, the daring opener led from the front and taught the squad how to win crucial games and moments.
India finished runners-up in the last ODI World Cup at home following an amazing run to the final, and under Rohit’s leadership, they won two ICC trophies, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy this year.
With the 2027 World Cup in mind, the Indian selectors took a big step on Saturday by removing Rohit from his ODI captaincy and giving youthful Test captain Shubman Gill the reins ahead of the forthcoming white-ball assignment in Australia.
“Rohit Sharma. Thank you so much. You were a phenomenal captain tactically astute, but most importantly, very, very friendly and got along with everyone and made them feel so comfortable. But for me, the legacy that you’ve left as a captain. In those big moments, those big matches, you taught this current team what it takes to win,” Karthik said on Instagram.
“At times we used to take the backwards step, but you said, ‘I think we need to press forward, put more pressure on the opponent, take more risks, and you didn’t leave it to anyone else.’
“I think you started it with the bat when, in the big matches, you said, ‘I’m going to go harder,’ and that required skill. You got it done and you did it consistently. In the last 3 multi-nation tournaments that we have played, India has lost just one game.”
With a winning percentage of 76, Rohit won 42 of the 56 ODI matches he led India in.
Karthik, Rohit’s former India teammate, enumerated the team’s accomplishments under “Hitman.”
“2024 T20 World Cup campaign unbeaten, Champions Trophy unbeaten. 2023, just that final. That is outstanding. And even after that you can see the after effects. Asia Cup unbeaten with a young team. That is what you’ve given this team India.
“You’ve left it in a better place than what it was when you started, and that’s always a great sign of a leader,” said Karthik.
