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In the ongoing World Cup, Rohit Sharma hasn't recorded many centuries, but according to batting coach Vikram Rathour, the Indian captain has been leading the team with his aggressive approach as the opening batsman.
From eight matches, Rohit has scored one century (131 vs Afghanistan) and two half-centuries, consistently providing India with strong starts. His quick 40 runs off 24 balls against South Africa on November 5 (Sunday) set the tone for India's excellent performance. Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable total of 326/5, and they later bowled out South Africa for just 83, securing an impressive 243-run victory.
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"It's absolutely Rohit's idea. He's taking the initiative," Rathour said at the mixed zone.
"If there's something on the wicket, he's looking to go for his shots. It is working out really well for the team. He's one guy who's leading with his action."
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill dominated the South African new-ball bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, disrupting their rhythm.
Despite failing to convert his start, Rohit Sharma helped India reach a strong 91/1 in the powerplay, giving Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer the freedom to take it easy in the middle overs before increasing the run rate.
"We're looking to score as many runs as we can. The start that Rohit and Gill provided helped Virat and Shreyas to settle down and take their time," Rathour continued.
"Maharaj looked like the bowler who could have got some wickets on this wicket. That start gave us the opportunity to play a little safely. That was a great strategy and it worked out well," he said.
The Indian batting coach also praised Iyer's match-winning 77 off 87 balls in a crucial 134-run partnership with Rohit.
"He (Iyer) always plays like this, he has scored a lot of runs for the team for the last two years. One-two bad matches does not make a difference, we're always sure how he can contribute to the team," Rathour spoke highly of Iyer, who now has three half-centuries in eight innings.
India have won eight consecutive matches in the World Cup without being challenged, securing their place in the semi-finals and topping the points table ahead of the knockout stage.
"The best thing we have done in this tournament is we have focused on our cricket, and not really worried about the opposition”, he further said.
"That is something we have really done as a group. That is not going to change. We're still looking to do our things, processes right whichever teams we are playing against," he concluded.
India's next match is scheduled against the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 12 (Sunday).
(Powered by AI, Inputs by PTI)
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