World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma is calm and backs his instincts, says Zaheer Khan after India hammer South Africa

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has showered praise on Rohit Sharma after India hammered South Africa by 243 runs at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. Rohit has been leading from the front in the ongoing World Cup and has done a fine job as a leader.

The Indian skipper has been spot on with his bowling changes and field placement and has made the most of his experience. Rohit is also providing brisk starts at the top of the order with Shubman Gill for the team. The talisman smashed a 24-ball 40 against South Africa and played a key role in helping the team get off to a flyer.

Rohit has scored 442 runs in eight matches of the World Cup 2023 at an impressive average of 55.25 and a blistering strike rate of 122.78, the best among the top 10 run-getters of the tournament.

“He is someone who likes to work behind the scenes. So, what you are seeing on the pitch is the preparation, which is very important with regards to his captaincy. He likes spending time with all the guys, talking to the support staff and players, discussing various scenarios. That has been the hallmark of how he approaches the game,” Zaheer told Crizbuzz.

“What I like about him is that he is very calm under pressure. He might be animated at times, but that doesn’t mean he is feeling the pressure. He is very calm in terms of backing his instincts while making the decisions,” he stated.

“He has been winning trophies and that is something which comes naturally to him, that drive is there to think of the team and he knows to win tournaments. To achieve that, you have got to get everyone switched on. He has done a terrific job of doing that, leading up to this campaign, defining what kind of approach the team should have,” Zaheer added.

Rohit has done a fine job in getting the best out of his players and he would want to carry the good show. India will next take on the Netherlands at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday.