New Delhi, September 2: Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes that having an experienced player like Rohit Sharma in the Indian team can be extremely beneficial as the two-time champions prepare for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
The 39-year-old right-handed opener Rohit Sharma has played 288 ODIs, scoring 11,895 runs at an average of 48.95. During his career, he has achieved 34 centuries and 62 half-centuries, including three double centuries. Rohit was the highest run-scorer in the 2019 ODI World Cup and played a crucial role in leading India to the runner-up position in the 2023 World Cup held on home soil.
Rhodes stated in an interview with ‘GeoStar’, “You must remember that World Cup experience is something we often overlook. We focus on players’ talent, their abilities, and performances. They may have played a brilliant innings or had a great season, but the pressure in World Cup moments is immense. Players can manage physically, but mental strength is often not considered when selecting a team. As someone who has played in four World Cups and has not advanced past the semifinals twice, I know how stressful it can be. Therefore, having a player like Rohit Sharma in the World Cup is a significant advantage.”
Rhodes is also a co-owner of the Rotterdam Dockers in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). He praised the fierce competitive spirit of veteran batsman Virat Kohli, comparing his intensity to the aggressive mindset of past dominant Australian teams.
Like Rohit, Kohli has been a key pillar in the Indian batting order in ODIs. He has amassed 14,941 runs at an average of 58.59 in 314 ODIs, including 54 centuries and 79 half-centuries.
He added, “We have seen Australia win many World Cups, and their aggressive attitude and expectation to win are evident. I believe Virat embodies that as well. He has an immense hunger to win matches for his team. Being a leader and captain while consistently being one of the best ‘chasers’ in the world shows his determination to lead the team to victory. For a long time, he has been a player who finishes matches brilliantly for India.”
Rhodes concluded, “From this perspective, he draws energy from that aggression. It doesn’t distract him while batting. Many players try to stay focused, but when he is batting, he is fully engaged in the competition. He is definitely a player who enjoys the challenge and struggle. His passion for winning matches for India is immense, and whether he is captain or not, that passion will remain. He just wants India to win.”
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