Former England captain Nasser Hussain has revealed the 'genuine hero' of the current Indian team that stormed in the ODI World Cup final on November 15 (Wednesday) by thumping New Zealand by 70 runs. While Virat Kohli's historic landmark wowed onlookers and Mohammed Shami's once-in-a-lifetime bowling performance blew away the Kiwi batting line-up, it was the Indian captain Rohit Sharma who received heartfelt praise from Hussain.
"The headlines tomorrow will be about (Virat) Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Shami but the genuine hero of this Indian side, the actual man who has changed the culture of this Indian side was Rohit Sharma. We have DK with us and he says after that semifinal in Adelaide where they played meek, timid cricket, plauded along in the T20 semifinal, got below par score and England knocked them down, none down and won by 10 wickets, Rohit Sharma told Dinesh Karthik that 'we've to change, we need a change," Hussain said on Sky Sports’ post-match show at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
"There is one thing saying that and another to actually walking the walk. This is the first time they were tested. Can you play fearless cricket in a knockout game? The skipper went out and showed everyone in the dressing room that we are going to carry on exactly the same way," Nasser said while lauding Rohit.
From leading the charge and setting the platform with the bat to giving freedom to his players, from maneuvering the bowlers like a shrewd strategist to immaculate field placements, the Hitman's leadership has been spectacular.
Against New Zealand, Rohit once again came out all guns blazing with the bat and scored 47 runs off 29 balls with the help of four sixes and as many fours. When the situation got a little tricky during New Zealand's run chase, the Hitman gathered his troops, formed a huddle and delivered a nugget of wisdom that ultimately turned the game on its head.
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