(Source X)
Arshdeep Singh has expressed deep admiration for the contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Indian cricket, highlighting their significant impact on the team over the years. Following their retirement from T20Is, Singh emphasized that their legacies will resonate for generations.
During the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s triumphant campaign. Opening the innings, Sharma showcased consistent performances, anchoring the team with several impactful innings. On the other hand, Kohli faced challenges, particularly on the surfaces in the US and West Indies, struggling to find form during the Group and Super 8 stages.
However, Kohli’s resilience shone through in the final match, where his 76-run innings proved decisive in India’s victory. Despite his earlier difficulties, Kohli’s match-winning performance in the final earned him the Player of the Match award, underscoring his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
However, the emotions among Indian fans were bittersweet immediately after the match, as they witnessed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bidding farewell to the shortest format of the game. Speaking to IANS in a conversation, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh effusively praised the enduring contributions of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Indian cricket throughout their illustrious careers.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left an indelible mark on T20I cricket. Their contributions have been immense, and their legacy will be remembered for generations”, he said.
“Rohit bhai’s explosive batting at the top and his sharp captaincy have set new benchmarks in the format. Virat bhai, with his consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence, has been a role model for cricketers around the world,” he further added.
Arshdeep Singh sheds light on what he considers the standout feature of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy
When asked about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Arshdeep Singh emphasized the exceptional experience of playing under him, noting Sharma’s penchant for granting bowlers complete freedom on the field. Singh highlighted Sharma’s unwavering support for players to express themselves and play their natural game, describing this as the hallmark of his captaincy.
“Playing under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has been an incredible experience. Rohit bhai is definitely fully a bowler’s captain. He allows every bowler full freedom to execute what they want to do on the field. He has a unique way of keeping the dressing room atmosphere light and positive, which really helps in high-pressure situations,” the left-arm pacer said.
“What I like the most about his leadership is his calm demeanour on the field. He always backs his players, giving us the confidence to play our natural game. His strategic thinking and the way he read the game are truly inspiring, and I have learned a lot from him about handling different match scenarios,” the T20I specialist further added.
Arshdeep Singh to play under Rohit Sharma in Sri Lanka series
During the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Arshdeep Singh showcased his prowess with the ball, securing a notable 4-wicket haul in a match. His contributions were pivotal alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, bolstering India’s pace attack throughout the tournament. As the highest wicket-taker for Punjab Kings, Singh ended the season with an impressive tally of 17 wickets.
Looking ahead, Singh is gearing up for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, where he will feature in both ODIs and T20Is. Notably, he will play under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma in the ODI series, while Suryakumar Yadav will lead the T20I team. Despite his limited experience in ODIs, Singh has established himself as a consistent member of the T20I squad.
