Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI)
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan heaped admiration on former India captain Rohit Sharma‘s knock in the first ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa. Rohit’s 51-ball 57 was one of the main reasons behind India posting 349 on the board.
Irfan said that he felt as if Rohit has not aged at all, given how effortlessly he batted at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. The erstwhile all-rounder also shed light on his attacking mindset with the bat and what Indian cricket fans can expect from him going forward.
“As for Rohit Sharma, he seems to be at his peak. It doesn’t look like he is 38, he has improved his fitness. But the way he is playing according to the conditions and batting flawlessly, the half-century only shows with what mindset he is moving forward. It feels extremely good seeing how these two players are progressing. Rohit was dropped once off Nandre Burger’s bowling but he batted exceptionally – whether it be playing on the up or pull shot,” stated Irfan in a video on his YouTube channel.
Rohit’s innings comprised five fours and three sixes. He looked all set to attain a big score until a Marco Jansen delivery stayed low and struck on his pad as he was dismissed lbw. After a brief chat with Virat Kohli at the other end, Rohit decided not to challenge the on-field decision.
Rohit is coming off a Player of the Series performance against Australia in India’s white-ball tour of Australia. He had scored 202 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 85.59 Down Under. Despite the Men in Blue having lost the series, Rohit emerged as a silver lining for them.
Rohit’s long-standing teammate Kohli secured the Player of the Match award on November 30. His 109-ball 136-run stand with Rohit and a rapid 135-run knock played a vital part as far as the Indian innings is concerned.
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