/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24016885/STK093_Google_04.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24808816/Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_____Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_2023_7_25_94252.263_1440p_streamshot.png)
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma is an underrated leader who hasn’t received as much recognition as his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) counterpart, MS Dhoni. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 playoffs, both Rohit and Dhoni guided their teams to victory. CSK beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 to secure their place in the final, while MI secured a win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator and will face GT in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 26.
A blockbuster on the cards _
one step away from one place #TATAIPL 2023 Final _
Chennai Super Kings will face _____ _#qualifier2 , #gtvmi pic.twitter.com/MmCIDvDdV0– Indian Premier League (@IPL) May 26, 2023
Ahead of the clash between GT and MI, Gavaskar lauded Rohit’s captaincy in the knockout match against LSG. He particularly highlighted the strategic partnership between Rohit and Akash Madhwal, which resulted in the dismissal of Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran off consecutive deliveries. Speaking to India Today, the Indian cricket legend expressed his views:
“Of course, he is underrated. This guy has won 5 titles for Mumbai Indians. Let me give you an example. Madhwal bowled Ayush Badoni over the wicket. He then went for the wicket of left-armer Nicholas Pooran . No.” A lot of bowlers do this out of necessity because if they find their rhythm bowling over the wicket, they will stick to over the wicket, even if it is a left-handed batsman, leaving a left-handed batsman are trying to But he went around the wicket and produced a fine gem of a delivery and got the man out.”
Gavaskar further remarked that the level of appreciation would have been much higher if Dhoni had executed a similar strategy. He remarked, “If it was CSK and Dhoni was the captain, everyone would say, ‘Dhoni conspired to get Nicholas Pooran out.’ That’s pretty much what happens. There’s a little bit of hype, sometimes things work out.”
Madhwal achieved remarkable figures of 5/5 in the Eliminator against LSG. He dismissed Badoni, who missed his slog, and then, on the very next ball, went around the wicket to take an edge off Pooran’s bat.
Gavaskar’s comments highlight Rohit Sharma’s underrated leadership qualities and a possible disparity in recognition compared to his counterpart MS Dhoni. Rohit’s captaincy decisions exemplified his tactical acumen, which contributed to MI’s win in the playoffs.
