Amid the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Gautam Gambhir lauds Rohit Sharma for his remarkable, selfless leadership, guiding India to the top of the points table with an undefeated streak of 8 wins from 8 matches.
The Men in Blue have been a standout team, showcasing an unparalleled performance leaving their opponents in the dust from the get-go. In a high-scoring tournament, no team has managed to breach the 300-run mark against India, a testament to their collective excellence.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, has been the torchbearer, notching up 442 runs, including a century and two half-centuries. But it’s not just about the runs; it’s the style and pace of his scoring that truly impresses. Prioritizing the team over personal accolades, Rohit’s quick starts have paved the way for the middle-order batters to settle in.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Gambhir stressed that it’s not just hollow words or camaraderie but one’s actions that define selflessness. He commended Rohit’s approach, emphasizing that Rohit’s approach to the game reflects his true selflessness rather than mere talk.
“I have said this about Rohit Sharma already. Just laughing around with teammates and speaking well about them in the media doesn’t make you selfless. You can still be selfish by trying to look to score your runs. But it is the way you bat or bowl that makes you selfless,” Gautam Gambhir told Sportskeeda.
“Rohit said that the team is looking to play aggressively, and he has led by example. If he wanted to, he could have easily scored a hundred in 25 overs. So he has been selfless by his actions and not just words,” he added.
Gambhir also commended Rohit for backing Shreyas Iyer during a slump, which eventually led to Iyer’s remarkable comeback with two consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka and South Africa. This backing and faith offered by a leader resonate strongly, fostering a sense of security and confidence within the team.
Gambhir explained, “A selfless leader also brings security to the dressing room. Even if Shreyas wouldn’t have performed, I would have backed him. This is how you give confidence to the dressing room.”
Gambhir highlighted the impact of a calm and composed leader, underscoring the significance of stability within the team. He emphasized that a leader’s consistency and assurance ensure the team’s collective tranquility and foster trust, which has significantly contributed to India’s success in the tournament.
“If you drop someone after three games, the whole dressing room becomes insecure. This is the reason why India have been doing well, as they have a leader who is calm and not obsessed,” said Gautam Gambhir.
Team India is geared to face the Netherlands in their final league game before stepping into the much-anticipated semifinals. The host team, displaying unparalleled resolve and guidance under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, looks forward to locking horns with New Zealand for a coveted spot in the finals.
