In the midst of a shifting landscape in One Day International (ODI) cricket, Ravi Shastri, the former coach of the Indian cricket team, shared a candid observation during the opening game of the 2023 World Cup. He spoke of the challenge of convincing some stubborn batters to embrace change in their approach. Shastri’s words carried weight, given his recent involvement in Indian cricket’s major events and the rarity of public criticism from such quarters.
While Shastri didn’t single out any names, his remarks shed light on India’s journey to reshape their white-ball batting strategies. One player who symbolizes this transformation is Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain after taking over from Virat Kohli.
A glance at Sharma’s numbers tells a story of his evolving role. From 2013 to 2021, his powerplay strike-rate hovered around 70, reflecting his role as a traditional opener who accumulated runs before accelerating late in the innings. However, the dynamics of ODI cricket changed as teams like England, South Africa, and Australia redefined the format. For India, this presented a unique challenge: they needed to evolve without losing their legendary ODI batsmen.
Rohit Sharma took the lead in this transformation, reflecting his belief in modern ODI batting. Since becoming captain, Sharma’s powerplay strike-rate surged to 110.96, a testament to his aggressive approach.
In several matches during the 2023 World Cup, Sharma’s fearless starts provided a solid foundation for India’s chases. His contributions, whether extending his innings to a century or playing vital cameos, significantly eased the pressure on the team. Notably, his aggressive approach against top bowlers like Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner set the tone for successful chases.
Sharma’s contributions ensured that India remained unfazed even when pitches became trickier to bat on. In two critical games, Virat Kohli took over from where Sharma left off, ensuring India crossed the finish line without any major hiccups. Kohli’s ODI batting style has remained consistent, and he has been prolific in this World Cup.
The synergy between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli was evident in their partnership. Sharma’s quick starts often allowed Kohli to play his natural game, guiding India through tight situations. The duo’s combination of high-risk aggression and dependable stability made India a formidable force.
The game against Australia exemplified their partnership. Even if Sharma fell early, India could rely on Kohli, supported by a solid middle order featuring KL Rahul, to correct the course of the game.
In a world where great ODI partnerships are often found among bowlers, India’s fortune lies in having two batters with over 10,000 runs each in the same team. They have mastered the art of dancing to different tunes without losing synchrony or relevance in the ever-changing world of ODI cricket.
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
