India’s premier speedster Mohammad Shami heaped praise on the white-ball vice-captain Rohit Sharma for his leadership qualities and the way he gives freedom to the bowlers. He also said Rohit and Indian captain Virat Kohli both are very different individuals and have different leadership qualities.
He further mentioned that Rohit always tells the bowlers to do what their mind tells them to irrespective of their strong point or how the batsman plays, saying that freedom and confidence are very important for a fast bowler’s self-confidence on the field.
Shami told India TV, “As a bowler when I go to him for advice, he always gives positive answers. Rohit always pushes the bowlers to do what their mind tells them to, irrespective of how the batsman is playing or his strong points. I think that is very important for the confidence of a fast bowler.”
On the difference between Kohli and Rohit, the 30-year-old pace bowler said: “Rohit is a different character. He is a cool person, except when he comes to bat. Kohli is as aggressive as fast bowlers.”
He further explained, “Fast bowlers are very aggressive, both old and new. But the one player who could probably emulate their aggression is our own captain. Sometimes, when a picture of Virat's celebration of a wicket goes viral on social media, I funnily ask him 'was it my wicket or yours?'.”
Shami signed off by saying, “He celebrates more than the bowlers. Sometimes he points out that you don't look too happy with the wicket, so I simply tell him 'you did all the celebration for me.' But it is important to have fun on the field. Virat shows aggression, obviously; but as a unit, he has led the team brilliantly so far. In addition, he is a very aggressive batsman too.”
Shami is all set to travel to the UK alongside Team India for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand next month and a five-match Test series against England starting in August.
(With IANS Inputs)
