AB de Villiers, the iconic former South African cricket captain, recently lauded the exceptional skills and spirit of Indian captain Rohit Sharma on his YouTube channel. Emphasising Rohit's undying fighting spirit, de Villiers spotlighted how the Indian skipper completed 10,000 ODI runs, becoming the second-fastest cricketer to do so, trailing only behind the legendary Virat Kohli.
"Rohit was fourth slowest to 2000 runs, but the second fastest to 10000. How's that for a comeback. I have a lot of respect for him. The first time I watched him play, I thought this guy has got something special to offer. What I like most about him - from a very young age, he's always had a fighting spirit. He would not back down to anyone," said De Villiers.
In the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Rohit's formidable form has been evident with his three consecutive half-centuries. De Villiers took particular notice of how confidently Rohit faced challenges from cricket giants like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. His crucial fifty against Sri Lanka not only sealed a convincing 41-run victory for India but also ensured their place in the Asia Cup 2023 finals.
"I think of a Test match in Durban where he just wouldn't stand back to Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel or any of our fast bowlers. He would make eye contact. If anyone chirped him. He would right in their face, chest out. I always liked that. At that time, I didn't enjoy it because he was there to beat us. But thinking back, he always had this incredible fighting spirit," De Villiers added.
Adding another feather to Rohit's cap, de Villiers acknowledged the powerful partnership he's formed with rising star Shubman Gill. Together, they've etched their names in cricket history by becoming the fastest Indian pair to notch up 1000 partnership runs in a mere 13 innings.
"Very interestingly, he has had an incredible partnership with Shubman Gill. Two fighters at the crease is always a dangerous thing for the opposition. As an opening pair, they are averaging 87-odd (95) with a strike rate of 110. If they can do that for India in the World Cup," said De Villiers.
India is now gearing up to compete against Bangladesh before taking on Sri Lanka in what promises to be a riveting Asia Cup 2023 final at the prestigious R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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