As India find themselves on the cusp of ending an 11-year drought without an ICC trophy, Kapil Dev was all praise for Rohit Sharma's captaincy and appeared to take a sly dig at Virat Kohli ahead of the all-important T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final between India and England at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday (June 27).
Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been a big reason behind the Men in Blue's success, as they remain unbeaten in the tournament so far. The 37-year-old leadership has stood out for the national team as he received appreciation for the way he captained the national team in the 2023 World Cup, where despite a heartbreaking defeat in the final, the Men in Blue put on a show to remember with 10 wins in a row and most of them coming in dominant fashion.
Kapil appreciated Rohit’s captaincy style and pointed out how he is aware of his limitations and has a style very different from Virat. The 1983 World Cup-winning Indian captain stated that Rohit has the ability to keep the entire team happy.
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"Unko Pata Hai Ki Meri Strength Kya Hai. Jis Player Ko Apni Strength Pata Chal Jaati Hai Na, Vo Thoda Jaldi Pick Up Kar Jaate Hai. Ab Virat Kohli 150 Ya 250 KG Ka Dumble Utha Sakte Hai, Iska Matlabh Nahi Saare Utha Sakte. Rohit Ko Apni Cricket Ki Baare Main Bohot Knowledge Hai, Vo Within Apna Khelta Hai. Vo Virat Ki Tarah Nahi Khelta, Uchhal Kud Nahi Karta. Lekin Uska Apni Limitations Pata Hai. Us Limitation Main Usse Better Koi Nahi Hai, Virat Bhi Nahi Hai (Rohit knows what his strengths are. When a player knows his strengths, he picks them up early. If Virat Kohli can lift a 150-250 KG dumbbell, that does not mean anyone can. Rohit has good knowledge about his game and plays within himself. He does not play like Virat, and he does not jump around a lot. He knows his limitations. Within those limitations, there is no better player. Not even Virat Kohli),” said Kapil Dev on ABP News.
"Baade Baade Player Jaruru Nahi Hai Aache Captains Ho. Sachin And Richard Hadlee Se Aacha Koi Nahi Tha But Unhe Captaincy Nahi Karni Thi. Kai Players Ko Shaunk Hota Hai Captaincy Karne Ka But Uske Liye Aapko Bohot Kuch Tyagna Hota Hai. Jaise Dhoni, Bohot Kuch Tyag Tha Ki Youngster Ko Mauka De Diya, Winning Run Banao. Rohit Ka Kya Hai, Lagta Nahi Tha Itne Suljhe Hui Hoge. Lekin Jo Hum Tak Baat Pohanch Ti Hai, Vo Ye Dressing Room Main Sabka Bohot Easy Rakhta. Kai Bade Player Aate Hai, Vo Apne Liye Hi Aate Hai, Captaincy Bhi Apne Liye Karte Hai. Lekin Isley Rohit Ka Ek Tick Jyada Baara Hai Ki He Keeps Entire Team Happy (It's not neccessary that good players are great captains. Sachin Tendulkar and Richard Hadlee did not want to do captaincy. Some players have a passion for captaincy but they have to make a lot of sacrifices. MS Dhoni sacrificed a lot to give youngsters a chance. I did not think Rohit will be well sorted but what we hear is, he keeps the dressing room easy. Some big players do captaincy just for themselves. This is why Rohit has a big tick mark because he keeps the entire team happy)," added Kapil.
Kapil is one of just two Indian captains, alongside MS Dhoni, to win an ICC tournament outright. Kapil led the country to a historic title win in the 1983 World Cup. Meanwhile, Dhoni led the country to triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Rohit could become the third member of the elusive list if India wins the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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Virat had a long stint as captain of the national team in which he led the team for seven years in Test cricket and is the country's most successful captain in the longest format of the game. Kohli also led the ODI and T20I team from 2017 to 2021 in which he led the Men in Blue in three ICC events.