“The genuine hero of this Indian side, who has changed the culture”- Nasser Hussain appreciates Rohit Sharma for his approach in World Cup 2023.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain commended Indian captain Rohit Sharma as the driving force behind their impressive and undefeated performance in the 2023 World Cup. In the semi-final match held in Mumbai, Team India secured their 10th consecutive victory with a commanding 70-run win over New Zealand. Despite the noteworthy performances of Virat Kohli, who achieved his 50th ODI century, Shreyas Iyer’s impressive 70-ball 105, and Mohammed Shami’s outstanding seven-wicket haul, it was Rohit Sharma who laid the foundation for India’s success with an exceptional start with the bat.
In the opening innings, Rohit displayed his prowess by scoring 47 runs off 29 deliveries, effectively calming the nerves in the crucial game and setting the stage for India’s substantial total of 397/4 in 50 overs. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain not only praised Rohit’s individual contribution but also acknowledged his role in transforming the mindset of Indian cricket.
Hussain said “The headlines tomorrow will be about (Virat) Kohli, will be about Shreyas Iyer, and will be about Mohammad Shami,” Hussain said. “But the genuine hero of this Indian side, who has changed the culture of this Indian side is Rohit Sharma.”
Hussain pointed out the evident shift in mentality among Indian players, comparing it to the T20 World Cup in Australia the previous year.
“Dinesh Karthik was with the side when India played England in the semi-final of T20 World Cup in Adelaide, where they played meek, timid cricket, got a below-par score and England knocked them off by 10 wickets. he told DK that India needed to change,” he added.