Former England skipper Nasser Hussain lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. The Indian captain and seasoned opener led his side for the third consecutive ICC final. The 2007 winners played South Africa on Saturday, June 29, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Before the match, Hussain credited the Indian captain for transforming the mindset of the team which suffered several heartbreaks in the knockout stages of ICC tournaments for over a decade.
The former England great said that Rohit is the perfect balance of caution and aggression, unlike Virat Kohli, who has always been aggressive. Hussain said on Star Sports, "I have been a fan of Rohit for a very long time, as a batter, as a captain, and as a person. He seems to have a very calming influence. Whereas you had other captains, maybe like Virat, who wore their hearts on their sleeves, and they are incredibly passionate.”
The 56-year-old went on to comment about Sharma’s bond with junior players as well as the atmosphere he has created in the Indian cricket team. He said, "Rohit is like that iron fist in a velvet glove. You do not mess around with Rohit, but he is also a big brother who will put his arm around you and look after you.”
Rohit Sharma has been absolutely phenomenal: Jasprit Bumrah
Indian fast bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah lauded India and Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma and said that he has been phenomenal in the tournament. Bumrah said, "Rohit Sharma has been absolutely phenomenal. Even in the previous World Cup you know, he has been proactive, he gives a lot of freedom to his players, he lets the players express themselves.”
He went on to say, “When he feels the right time, he shares his own experience during the match. So ya, it feels really great and I feel very happy playing under him and the confidence of the group is also very high.”