While evaluating both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's performances in the ODI series against South Africa, former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar lauded Rohit Sharma's aggressive batting style that revolutionized ODI cricket. In the current series against South Africa, Rohit Sharma has amassed 71 runs in two innings.
Sharma hit 57 runs off 51 balls in the first ODI at Ranchi, including three sixes and five fours, until Marco Jansen dismissed him. Sharma scored 14 runs off eight balls and three fours in the second ODI at Raipur before his dismissal.
"Rohit Sharma has transitioned well in ODIs. From starting lower down the order, early on in his career, to becoming a secure opener. This is where he truly evolved, changing how India plays white-ball cricket by adopting an aggressive approach focused on hitting sixes rather than just accumulating runs. His leadership by example, playing without worrying about centuries, has raised team standards," Nayar told JioStar.
"Rohit Sharma hasn't stepped out to hit big shots mainly due to the swinging conditions in this series. When he feels the ball isn't swinging much, he confidently takes on bowlers. He's been careful with his footwork because of the uncertain pitch bounce. But in familiar Vizag conditions, we'll likely see his aggressive stepping-out game return,” he added.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli has been on fire with the bat in the first two ODIs. He scored 135 runs in India’s narrow win in Ranchi, while slamming 102 in the second ODI in Raipur, playing second fiddle to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century.
"One of the greatest things Virat Kohli has done this series against South Africa is how he hits the ball at the key moments. His greatness is in how straight his bat path comes down to impact the ball. We didn't see that a lot before. The bat used to open up. But here, every single time you see him hit the ball, his head is right over it. That happens very regularly. He brings the bat down in line with the ball, even when it is angling away.
He manages to play it straight all the time. That is his greatness and a main reason he has been so successful. Virat has changed his batting a lot since the Australia tour, mainly in his tactics,” Nayar pointed out.
“If you see his last two ODI innings against South Africa, every single shot comes from a different guard. He's been on leg stump, on middle stump, and on off stump as well. He's made those changes so he can adapt to every length. He's used his feet, been deep in the crease, and been outside the crease. His brain has worked like an AI computer, trying to figure everything out. Also, the conditions have helped the style of cricket Virat wants to play," Nayar concluded.
Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in one international format, with his 52nd ODI ton, and has added one more century to his resume in the 50-over format.
(JioStar inputs)
