Set the tone, instil fear – Ravichandran Ashwin hails Rohit Sharma’s performance in ODI World Cup 2023

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Rohit Sharma’s prolific performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit adopted an aggressive approach in the ODI showpiece and led from the front to play a key role in the team’s success.

The talisman scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece.

Rohit took the attack to the opposition bowlers from the get-go and made the most of the Powerplay conditions. Thus, he played a key role in giving solid starts to the team along with Shubman Gill.

Ashwin revealed it was a painful loss in the World Cup final against Australia and both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were crying in the dressing room.

“Yes, we felt the pain. Rohit and Virat were crying. Seeing that it felt bad. Anyways, not meant to be,” Ashwin told S Badrinath on his YouTube channel.

“This team was an experienced team. Everybody knew what to do. And then, it was professional. Everybody knew their routines, warm-ups. I think two natural leaders gave the team the space to do these two and created a vibe,” Ashwin spoke about the chemistry of Rohit and Virat.

The off-spinner hailed Rohit Sharma’s leadership in the World Cup and heaped praise on the skipper for getting the best out of the players.

“If you look at Indian cricket, everybody will tell you MS Dhoni is one of the best captains. Rohit Sharma is an outstanding person. He understands every single person in the team, he knows what each one of us likes and dislikes. He has a great understanding. He puts in the effort to know each member personally,” the spinner spoke about leadership.

“He puts in a lot of effort. Forgoes sleep and becomes part of meetings, he first puts in the effort. He takes an effort to understand how to explain tactics to each person. That’s an advanced level of leadership in Indian cricket,” Ashwin further added about Rohit Sharma.

Ashwin showered praise on Rohit Sharma for walking the talk in the World Cup and leading with aplomb when it mattered the mos.

“And also, walking the talk. Telling everyone to play a brand of cricket is one thing, but doing it and showing it on the field is another thing. I have known Rohit for a long time,” Ashwin said.

“What he did at the top set the ball rolling, he gave us the confidence. He said ‘it’s okay if we get out for 150. At least we will set the tone, instill fear’. I think all 11 in the team had a great World Cup,” concluded the India spinner.

Rohit Sharma will return back to action on the upcoming tour of South Africa.