'Be aggressive': Adam Gilchrist decodes 'inspirational' Rohit Sharma at T20 World Cup
'Be aggressive': Adam Gilchrist decodes 'inspirational' Rohit Sharma at T20 World Cup
Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist heaped praise on Rohit Sharma after the India captain hit a 41-ball 92 in one of the most fearless knocks in T20 World Cups in their Super 8 match against Mitchell Marsh's Australia on Monday, June 24. Rohit walked the talk, hitting 8 sixes and 7 boundaries in a brutal display of big-hitting that helped India beat the 2021 champions in their Group 1 match.
Rohit Sharma's blitzkrieg ensured Australia were knocked out of the T20 World Cup without making it to the semi-final stage. Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh on Tuesday morning confirmed Australia's exit as Rashid Khan's men progressed to the last four after finishing second in Group 1.
Adam Gilchrist lauded Rohit Sharma's fearless approach, saying his knock against Australia silenced all the critics of the Indian captain's T20 game.
T20 World Cup Coverage|Points Table|T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule|Player Stats
"That's right. He is making those statements off the field. This is how we play. And on the field, it's inspiration stuff, it's great entertainment. And question marks around his T20 impact - all the IPL stats and all that -- that's just again a reinforcement of the value of his leadership and the value of a team that is inspired by him. It was a really good stroke selection, knowing where to go to put the bowler off," Adam Gilchrist told Cricbuzz.
HOW ROHIT HAS INSPIRED TEAM INDIA
Rohit did not temper his aggression even after India lost Virat Kohli for a golden duck in their Super 8 match against Australia. Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl, but Rohit Sharma ensured India losing an early wicket did not affect them much as he tore into the Australian new-ball attack. Rohit attacked Mitchell Starc with four sixes in a 29-run over.
The India captain hit a fifty in just 19 balls -- the fastest against Australia in a men's T20 World Cup as India posted 205 on the board. Hardik Pandya's cameo and Shivam Dube's solid knock added to India's total as the Asian giants flaunted their refreshing approach in the T20 World Cup.
Gilchrist praised Rohit Sharma for having a positive effect on the team with his ability to race off to a flying start at the top for India.
"We often hear leaders say, it's not about the results, it's about the process. He has stated what the process should be -- that is be aggressive at all costs. If you lose your batting partner, no issues, focus on the process -- that is be aggressive. That sort of expertise as a leader and the guidance that he is giving his playing XI, they are going with him," he added.
India will be looking to right the wrongs of 2022 when they face defending champions England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in Guyana on Thursday, June 26.