“As a leader, he picked up a lot of nuances from MS Dhoni” – Robin Uthappa on Rohit Sharma’s legacy as Mumbai Indians skipper

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma’s legacy as Mumbai Indians captain. Rohit led MI to five titles during his stint from 2013 to 2023, which is the most alongside CSK captain MS Dhoni.

Uthappa reckons Rohit picked up a lot of nuances from MS Dhoni while playing under the latter’s tutelage for the Indian team. Rohit has been replaced by Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain for the upcoming season of the IPL.

Rohit had an 87-67 win-loss record as MI captain in 158 matches he led the franchise.

“We must also remember that he had been a part of Deccan Chargers that had won the IPL in 2009. He had a feeling of what it takes to win. He was an integral part of that side as well. One thing about Rohit is that he’s a very self-assured person. Nonchalance is a way of life for him. As a leader, he picked up a lot of nuances from MS (Dhoni). But he’s added his own touch to it and made it his own. He’s not scared to show his emotions on the field. It’s very unique to Rohit. It’s only something that he does,” said Uthappa while speaking to JioCinema.

On the other hand, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan said that Rohit Sharma has a very good tactical understanding of the game, which helps him reap rewards.

“Rohit is very intense, yet very casual. Being casual makes him approachable. But he’s very intense when he’s going about his business and preparing. That’s something that works in his favor brilliantly. He has a very good tactical understanding of the game,” said Zaheer.

Rohit was in good form in the recently concluded Test series against England, scoring 400 runs in nine innings at an average of 44.44. Ergo, he would look to continue the good show in the IPL.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL campaign against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 23.