IND v SA 2019: Team management asks Rohit Sharma to be more vocal on the field in Dhoni’s absence

Rohit was often seen walking up to the bowlers and advising them during the just-concluded T20I series against South Africa.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli | Getty

Rohit Sharma's leadership quality and his success rate as captain are there to be seen for everyone. Whether leading Mumbai Indians to four IPL titles or doing well as Indian skipper in limited opportunities, Rohit has shown tactical astuteness at all levels. 

No wonder, captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri have asked the limited-overs deputy to be more vocal on the field when it comes to guiding the youngsters.

In the just-concluded T20I series against South Africa, Rohit was often seen walking up to the bowlers and advising them. This was the role MS Dhoni used to play but in the absence of the veteran wicketkeeper, Rohit did it to perfection.

Speaking to IANS, sources in the team management said that with Dhoni not there to guide the bowlers from behind the wicket, the captain and coach felt that it would be great to have Rohit sharing inputs with the bowlers.

"See, you don't want too many cooks to spoil the broth. There is always the need to have a fine balance and not confuse the youngsters in the middle of a match. So, when MS was there behind the wicket, it was Kohli and MS who would do the guiding. In Dhoni's absence, it was felt that it would be great to have Rohit sharing his thoughts with the youngsters and being vocal on the field.

"Rohit has been a part of the leadership group for a while now and it is not like this is the first time that he is sharing his ideas with the players. The captain and coach trust his instincts and it is great when a senior member walks up to a bowler and suggests ways to trump the opposition batsman," the source pointed.

A youngster who has also played under Rohit's captaincy in the Indian team revealed that the opener much like captain Kohli backs the boys and just shares his thought process.

"You might feel a lot of things about your own capabilities. But the backing of the seniors is what helps. Be it Kohli bhai or Rohit bhai, they give you freedom to go and express yourself. They don't impose themselves on us. Even when Rohit bhai is leading or explaining a situation on the field, he only gives you his suggestions and what he feels could work. After that, it is on you to take the call," the player said.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 25 Sep, 2019

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