Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, has earned high praise from South African cricket legend AB de Villiers for his outstanding performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. De Villiers, speaking on his YouTube channel, applauded Rohit Sharma’s exceptional skills, leadership, and ability to provide India with strong starts in the tournament.
AB de Villiers, renowned for his cricketing insight, lauded Rohit Sharma by saying: “Rohit Sharma is giving a great start for India – he is fantastic, the six hitting ability of him shows what kind of aura he has, he demands respect from bowlers – it’s very intimidating for the opposition in the rest of the tournament.”
Overcoming Early Setback
Rohit Sharma has been in sublime form during the ICC World Cup 2023, consistently delivering as an opening batsman for India. In five matches, he has amassed a remarkable 311 runs, maintaining an impressive average of 62.20 and an astonishing strike rate of 133.47. This exceptional performance includes a record-breaking century against Afghanistan and a half-century against Sri Lanka.
Rohit Sharma’s journey in the World Cup began with a challenging start as he was dismissed for a duck in the opening game against Australia. However, the 36-year-old captain demonstrated remarkable resilience, making a strong comeback in the very next match against Afghanistan.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Against Afghanistan, Rohit registered his record seventh World Cup century, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s mark. In addition, he broke Chris Gayle’s record for the most international sixes. These milestones solidified his status as a true cricketing icon.
Following his century against Afghanistan, Rohit Sharma continued to exhibit unwavering excellence. In the subsequent three games against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, he delivered remarkable performances, scoring 86 off 63, 48 off 40, and 46 off 40, respectively. These exceptional scores contributed significantly to India’s swift starts in each game.
AB de Villiers’ Respect for Rohit Sharma
AB de Villiers’ recent praise for Rohit Sharma isn’t the first instance of his admiration. Before the World Cup commenced, de Villiers expressed deep respect for the Indian skipper. He noted Rohit’s unique qualities, including his determination and fighting spirit which he has displayed since a young age. De Villiers recognized Rohit as a special talent in the world of cricket.
“Rohit was fourth slowest to 2,000 runs, but the second fastest to 10,000. How’s that for a comeback? I have a lot of respect for him. The first time I watched him play, I thought this guy has got something special to offer. What I like most about him – from a very young age, he’s always had a fighting spirit. He would not back down to anyone.”, he had said back then.
Rohit Sharma’s remarkable form in the ICC World Cup 2023 has drawn accolades from cricketing legends and fans alike. His consistent performance at the top of the order and his ability to lead by example have positioned him as one of the most formidable batters in the tournament. As India continues its campaign in the World Cup, Rohit Sharma’s contributions will be closely watched, and his presence on the field is sure to be a key factor in the team’s success.
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