India’s star off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, recently shared insights on what sets Rohit Sharma apart from former Indian captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. All three players have led India in the 21st century, achieving significant successes for the team.
While both Dhoni and Rohit have guided the team to victory in ICC events, Kohli played a pivotal role in elevating the Test side from the seventh position to the top of the rankings, establishing them as a formidable force in overseas matches. Over time, cricket experts have drawn comparisons among their leadership styles.
In a recent interview with Vimal Kumar, Ashwin elaborated on the contrasting captaincy approaches of these three legends. He acknowledged Rohit’s ability to maintain a relaxed team atmosphere and emphasised that Rohit invests more effort into tactical preparation compared to Dhoni and Kohli.
"There are a couple of things I appreciate about Rohit's captaincy. He consistently works to create a light environment within the team and remains balanced, showcasing strength in tactics. While both Dhoni and Virat were tactically adept, Rohit places greater emphasis on strategic planning," Ashwin explained.
Ashwin further elaborated on Rohit's meticulous preparation with the analytics team before crucial matches, praising his commitment to supporting players. "Before significant matches or series, Rohit collaborates with the analytics team and coaches to identify the weaknesses of specific batsmen and devise strategies for bowlers. That’s where his strength lies. He also fosters a positive team environment and provides strong backing to his players. When he selects someone for the XI, he fully supports them. I’ve had the privilege of playing under all three captains throughout my career," he noted.
Looking ahead, Ashwin is set to feature in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on September 19. The Bangla Tigers are likely to pose a challenge for India, especially after their historic victory over Pakistan in Tests in Rawalpindi.