Rohit Sharma demonstrated exceptional leadership for India throughout their successful Champions Trophy campaign, culminating in a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final held in Dubai. His command over the team was evident throughout the tournament, even when facing unfavorable toss outcomes. A key aspect of his leadership was the unwavering faith he placed in every team member. His consistent support for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, extending right up to the final match, was a hallmark of his effective captaincy.
Kuldeep’s performance had been inconsistent leading up to the final, but he rose to the occasion in the crucial game, claiming the important wickets of New Zealand’s in-form batsmen, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
Rohit was quick to commend Kuldeep for his performance. However, it’s also known that Kuldeep sometimes faced Rohit’s displeasure when the team’s performance wasn’t optimal.
A video capturing Rohit closely watching Kuldeep as they walked to receive their Champions Trophy winner’s blazers has gone viral. Kuldeep seemed to have some difficulty putting on his blazer, and with Rohit waiting next in line, Kuldeep quickly resolved the issue while Rohit observed him intently. Judging by Rohit’s expression, it’s clear he maintains high standards even in celebratory moments.
Kuldeep’s childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, praised Rohit Sharma’s leadership after the final, specifically noting his effective utilization of spinners in the middle overs.
‘This is a significant victory. The win was a result of collective team effort, not just individual brilliance. Rohit Sharma deserves credit for his strategic planning that guided India to victory. His tactical deployment of spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun in the crucial middle overs was particularly noteworthy. Prior to the match, I advised Kuldeep to bowl without stress. All four spinners delivered excellent performances,’ Kapil Pandey stated.
Rohit expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance and the positive way events unfolded for them.
‘Someone mentioned that we’ve only lost one match in the last three major ICC tournaments. This is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating the team’s quality, depth, and strong internal understanding,’ Rohit commented after their championship win on Sunday evening.
Rohit attributed the team’s success to their ability to manage external pressures. ‘There’s immense pressure from external sources. Any loss by India triggers widespread speculation. However, the team has effectively set aside these distractions and concentrated on winning games and enjoying the sport,’ he added.
