Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has led his team to World Cup victory, has expressed his confidence in Rohit Sharma's leadership for India in the upcoming home World Cup. Ponting believes that Rohit, a senior batsman and captain of the Indian cricket team, possesses the qualities to handle the immense pressure that accompanies such a prestigious tournament.
Ponting emphasized that India, with three consecutive World Cup wins, is the team to watch out for in the competition. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma's laid-back attitude is a valuable asset that helps him stay composed under pressure.
"He's very laid back, Rohit. Very laid back with everything he does. You can even see that by the way that he plays. He's a pretty laconic sort of batsman as well, and that's the way he is both on and off the field. We can't sit back and say that the pressure won't get to them at some stage, or it won't affect them, because it will, just with the enormity of the tournament," Ponting told the International Cricket Council.
"But he'll take it and cope with it as well as probably anyone," he added.
Rohit Sharma has been leading India admirably in the 2023 World Cup and has guided the team to the top of the points table. His strategic decision-making on the field has garnered praise from former cricketers. Moreover, Rohit has been in remarkable form with the bat, bouncing back from a tough start against Australia in Chennai.
In a standout performance against Afghanistan in Delhi, Rohit smashed 131 runs off just 84 balls, securing India's resounding victory with 90 balls to spare. His aggressive innings, featuring 16 fours and five sixes, showcased his batting prowess.
Rohit continued his impressive form in a high-stakes match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad, scoring a swift 86 runs off 63 balls. His exceptional innings, which included six fours and six sixes, played a pivotal role in India's seven-wicket victory over their arch-rivals.
Rohit Sharma assumed the role of India's ODI captain in 2022, succeeding Virat Kohli. Kohli had led India to the semi-finals in the 2019 World Cup but the team faced defeat due to a top-order collapse in a challenging chase against New Zealand in the semi-final match in Manchester.
At the age of 36, Rohit Sharma has a golden opportunity to become only the third Indian captain to lift the World Cup, potentially ending India's decade-long ICC title drought.
Ponting expressed his belief that Rohit is better equipped to handle the pressure of the World Cup compared to Kohli, praising the way the team has performed under Rohit's captaincy.
"Someone like Virat, who is a bit more heart-on-the-sleeve, and probably listens to the fans and plays up with the fans a little bit more, someone with his personality would probably find it a bit harder," Ponting said.
"But I think Rohit will be fine with it. He's a terrific bloke and has been a great player for a long time, and he's done a great job as leader of India," he added.
India recently ended a five-year wait for a major trophy by clinching the Asia Cup under Rohit Sharma's leadership, further cementing his credentials as a successful captain.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Netherlands turn ‘Giant Slayer’ again, choke South Africa to create history with 38-run win in Dharamsala
Team India practice update: Rohit, Virat, Gill go full throttle; Hardik displays power-hitting skills in three-hour-long session
