Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has been lauded by many, including former India opener and batting coach Vikram Rathour, who believes he has the support of his players like few Indian captains have had in the past. Rathour, during a podcast, highlighted Rohit’s unique qualities that make him an exceptional captain.
Rathour was particularly impressed by Rohit’s deep involvement in strategizing the team’s game plan. He stated, “I have never seen a captain get so involved in strategy and game-planning.” He also pointed out that while Rohit might occasionally forget details like whether he has decided to bat or bowl at the toss, he never forgets his carefully crafted gameplan. Rathour described him as a “very shrewd tactician” who invests significant time in understanding the team’s strategy, even participating in both the bowlers’ and batters’ meetings to gain insights into their thoughts and perspectives. This dedication to player interaction and understanding is key to his leadership style.
Rathour further hailed Rohit as the “players’ captain,” emphasizing the importance of his own exceptional batting skills and consistency. He believes that Rohit’s leadership by example is crucial, particularly for the batsmen, who are inspired by his high standards. Rathour stated, “As a leader, you have to perform to set the example; and since he has become the captain, he has always led by example.”
Beyond his on-field performance, Rathour lauded Rohit’s tactical decisions, which he considers to be “spot on.” He even admitted that sometimes these decisions, especially those made during a match, surprise even the coach sitting in the dugout. However, Rathour emphasized that these decisions often prove to be masterstrokes, revealing Rohit’s ability to think ahead and anticipate situations. He cited an example from the T20 World Cup final, where Rohit finished Jasprit Bumrah’s overs early, a decision that was questioned at the time but ultimately led to India’s victory by seven runs.
Rathour’s insights into Rohit’s captaincy provide a valuable glimpse into the qualities that have made him a successful leader. His deep involvement in strategy, his dedication to understanding player perspectives, and his ability to make surprising yet effective decisions have cemented his position as a master tactician and a true leader by example.
