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Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has closely watched Rohit Sharma’s journey over the years. Together, they experienced numerous highs and lows with the Indian team, culminating in a triumphant end as India claimed the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Following the historic victory, Rohit Sharma retired from T20I cricket, and Rathour’s tenure also concluded. Nevertheless, Rathour fondly recalls Rohit’s innovative tactics on the field—strategies that, while sometimes unconventional, consistently delivered impressive results.
Vikram Rathour praises Rohit Sharma for his exceptional strategic acumen.
In a recent episode of the podcast ‘Find a Way with Taruwar Kohli,’ Vikram Rathour discussed Rohit Sharma’s on-field captaincy decisions. He highlighted a key moment from the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where Rohit’s crucial decision during a critical phase played a significant role in securing India’s victory.
“He is tactically very good as a captain. In the T20 World Cup final, he finished (Jasprit) Bumrah’s over early. A lot of people must have questioned that decision, but that decision put us in the situation, where 16 was needed in the last over,” Rathour said.
“His tactical decisions on the field are spot on. Sitting outside it surprises you as a coach as well. We from outside sometimes think what he is doing but then you realise what he has done after a while,” Rathour said on the podcast ‘Find a way with Taruwar Kohli’,” he added.
Rohit Sharma’s brilliant strategy in the T20 World Cup 2024
In the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made a pivotal decision by bringing Jasprit Bumrah back for the 16th over. With South Africa needing just 30 runs from 30 balls and Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller in aggressive form, the situation seemed straightforward for the opponents.
Despite knowing that Bumrah wouldn’t be available to bowl the final two overs, Rohit strategically brought him in early to attempt a breakthrough. While Bumrah didn’t claim any wickets, his over applied significant pressure, limiting South Africa to just 4 runs. This created a crucial shift in momentum, leading to Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal off the first ball of the following over.
Rohit expertly managed his bowlers from that point onward, curbing the flow of runs. With South Africa needing 16 runs off the last 6 balls, the pressure was on. However, Hardik Pandya remained calm under pressure, successfully defending the runs and guiding India to a memorable victory.
Vikram Rathour also praised Rohit Sharma as an exceptional batter who leads by example. He noted that Rohit is a captain who truly values his team’s input, always being attentive to their feedback. Rathour highlighted that, despite being a specialist batter, Rohit actively participates in discussions with bowlers, demonstrating his commitment to the entire team’s success.
“His first quality is that as a batsman, he is a phenomenal player. I think he is someone who understands his game really well. He always has a clear game plan. Even as a leader, you will have to lead from the front. You have to perform to set the example. And since he has become the captain, he has always led by example,” said Rathour.
“He is a player’s captain. He is invested with the players heavily,” he added.
Rohit Sharma is widely admired by every member of the team. Both senior players and newcomers feel comfortable approaching him, knowing he is always willing to listen.
Following India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma and his teammate Virat Kohli retired from T20I cricket. Despite this, both players remain crucial to India’s Test and ODI squads and will be pivotal for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship (WTC) final, should India qualify for it next year.
