Rohit Sharma took over the reins from Virat Kohli who stepped down from captaincy across formats within six months. While Rohit has not been able to end India’s ICC trophy drought, he has led the side to the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal, World Test Championship final, and ODI World Cup 2023 final. Ahead of the third Test against England in Rajkot, Rohit talked about his approach as captain and how he tries to keep players motivated.
"It is probably the hardest job of the leader to get everyone to do what you want them to do. Because they come with a different mindset and they want to do what they want to do. That's what we try and talk to everyone when they come in because it's a team game and sport. What i try and do is give the players that freedom and importance..... that they are very important for me. It does not matter if you only play only ten balls at No.6 aur No.7 ...you are so important to me that you can win games. It's just building the confidence within themselves. Because you need all 11 of them to give their best. You need everyone to contribute to the team's cause," Rohit Sharma was quoted as saying by ANI at an event in Mumbai.
Rohit revealed that he wants to make himself easily approachable to every member of the team. He wants players to have clarity about their roles so that they don’t feel insecure and play with confidence.
"I try and go to players' rooms individually and talk to them, have dinner. They look up to the leaders. If I am not available to talk and give time to them then there will be some discomfort around the team. The most important thing is to try and treat everyone equally and give everyone that importance. Give them role clarity that what is their role," the 36-year-old said.
"If they are having any thoughts about getting dropped that's where my role comes in. Then I have to try and build the confidence. It's about giving them that confidence and building that trust that no matter what my leader says I have to go and execute that. Those are the things that I try to focus on. It's a tough job," he added.
Rohit struggles for a big score
So far, Rohit has registered scores of 24, 39, 14 and 13 in the ongoing Test series. The last time he scored a half-century in red-ball cricket was on West Indies tour.
The Indian team is expected to assemble in Rajkot on February 11 ahead of the third Test against England at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium starting February 15.
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