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During this World Cup, Rohit Sharma has hit more fours
and more sixes than any other player while also scoring more powerplay runs
faster and at a higher average. That figure is astonishing. For a batter whose
cautious starts shaped his game. for a squad that relies heavily on huge runs
from great hitters and cautious starts. for a captain to assume that high-risk
position rather than giving it to a less experienced hitter.
India has been among the top two or three teams in
limited-overs cricket for the previous ten years at least. But that has been
attributed to the players’ overall calibre. They have always been among the
top, but no one can say they are the most cutting edge or strategically the
most astute team.
However, ever since Rohit assumed command, he and head
coach Rahul Dravid have tried to step outside of their comfort zones. India may
improve in a few areas, including being more resourceful and placing a somewhat
lower price on wickets throughout the early and middle overs. If Rohit wanted
other batters to follow his example, he realised he had to set the example.
In the powerplay, Rohit has been attempting to smash a
boundary to 30% of the balls. The only person more enterprising—though not as
successful—is Travis Head. With 77% of the boundary tries within his control,
Rohit has demonstrated amazing efficiency. India now trails only Australia in
terms of scoring rapidly during a powerplay. Compared to India, Australia has
played more games with higher scoring totals, and both of their openers are
aiming higher than India’s.
While India have generally been looking to be
proactive in the powerplay, the extent Rohit has taken it to has perhaps
surprised even the management. “It is his idea, he is taking the
initiative,” the batting coach Vikram Rathour said. “There are no set
strategies at a World Cup. We are looking to maximise, looking to score as many
runs as we can. And if the surface is good, and if he feels he can go for it,
he does.”
The amount of carelessness with which South Africa
mishandled the new ball in what was regarded as the semifinal before the final
demonstrated the strain it has placed on the opposing bowlers. The pitch was
challenging, and facing the spinners would not be simple. Virat Kohli and
Shreyas Iyer were able to take their time and not take any chances against the
dangerous Keshav Maharaj thanks to the advantage Rohit gave India. India needs
that luxury because batsmen Nos. 8 through 11 don’t contribute much.
Rohit’s beginnings have ensured that there is little
danger as the chase moves into the middle overs in a competition where chasing
has not been simple. Perhaps having Kohli around gives him the courage to play
the riskier style of cricket, as demonstrated in the opening game against
Australia.
The fact that Rohit’s batting approach didn’t look
natural at first is what has impressed me the most. It’s now common knowledge
that hitters are quite picky about what makes them successful. It would have
been simple for Rohit to claim that he tried something new, but it didn’t work
out, and that returning to his tried-and-true techniques is best for him and
the team. Still, Rohit persisted.
There is no guarantee India will finally take those
final two steps after dominating the league stage once again, but for once,
thanks to almost revolutionary batting from Rohit, you can’t accuse them of not
being with the times.