(ICC Photo)
Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan showered accolades on Team India’s captain Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, set to unfold in the West Indies and the USA. Shakib Al Hasan emphasized Sharma’s ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a game.
Both Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan hold the distinction of featuring in every edition of the T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. These seasoned campaigners are gearing up for a World Cup warm-up encounter scheduled at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday, June 1.
Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in India’s victorious campaign during the inaugural 2007 tournament in South Africa. Across 39 T20 World Cup matches, Sharma has amassed 963 runs at an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88, including nine half-centuries. Moreover, he led the Indian team in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan showcased his dual prowess as a batsman and a bowler for Bangladesh in T20 World Cups. Accumulating 742 runs in 36 matches at an average of 23.93 and a strike rate of 122.44, the southpaw batter has left an indelible mark. Additionally, with 47 wickets, the left-arm spinner holds the distinction of clinching the most wickets in T20 World Cup history.
Shakib Al Hasan says Remarkable Captaincy Record
During an interview on Star Sports, Shakib Al Hasan lauded Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership skills and batting abilities. Shakib emphasized Sharma’s impressive track record as captain, noting that he had garnered the respect of all players through his leadership qualities.
“The way he led India in the last few years was terrific. Tremendous record as a captain. All the players respect him as a leader of the team. He’s someone who can take the game away from the opponent single-handedly,” Shakib said.
Rohit Sharma’s tenure as captain of the Indian cricket team has seen both triumphs and setbacks. While he has enjoyed success in bilateral series, he has yet to secure an ICC title for India. The Men in Blue reached the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup, the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, and the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
India finds itself in Group A alongside Pakistan, the USA, Canada, and Ireland, whereas Bangladesh is positioned in Group D with South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal. With Rohit and Shakib at the helm, both teams are determined to steer their way into the knockout stages of the forthcoming tournament, aiming to contend for the coveted trophy.
