The former India coach, Lalchand Rajput, feels that the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, has been by far the best skipper when it comes to handling youngsters within the side. Under Rohit Sharma’s tenure, players like Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and others have established themselves as top-tier talents in the side in different formats.
Rajput feels that Rohit Sharma, as a captain, is someone who keeps the dressing room in a jovial mood and does not add any further pressure on his players, and that paid dividends as India went on to lift their second T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados last year.
Rohit Sharma regains mojo ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma got his mojo back at the right time before the Champions Trophy 2025 and smashed a 90-ball 119 with 12 fours and seven sixes to set up India’s four-wicket win over England in the second ODI. It was a much-needed knock for Rohit Sharma to scruff off the pressure as he was put under the scanner after an underwhelming red-ball season.
The Cuttack knock was a notable performance, marking his first ODI century since October 2023. His consistent form in the interim, with five fifties across 13 matches, showed his reliability at the top. This century is significant not only because it’s his first in ODIs in several months but also because it breaks a dry spell in international cricket, with his last century in any format coming in March 2024 against England in a Test match at Dharamsala.
However in the Champions Trophy 2025 , though struggling with hamstring injury Rohit Sharma do gave a glimpse of his batting form in white ball cricket recently and Former Indian coach Lalchand Rajput was impressed with Rohit Sharma’s tactical acumen.
Former India coach Lalchand Rajput on Rohit Sharma’s crucial role in Indian youngsters’ success
Former India head coach Lalchand Rajput believes that Rohit Sharma-led side are ruthless and they should win the Champions Trophy convincingly. Team India have already won their first two group-stage matches and already qualified for the semifinals, they will now face New Zealand for their third league match on March 2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
Lalchand Rajput who is currently the head coach of the UAE cricket team witnessed Virat Kohli’s 51st ODI century in the six-wicket win over Pakistan and now he expects skipper Rohit Sharma to smash his way to a big hundred.
Former India coach Lalchand Rajput recently reserved high praise for Rohit Sharma. He opined that the current Test and ODI skipper has been instrumental in the growth of Indian youngsters.
Rajput suggested that Rohit Sharma keeps the dressing room atmosphere light and doesn’t put extra pressure on the up-and-coming players. He reckoned that the approach played a big role in the Men in Blue’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Speaking at the launch of the book Life Lessons from Cricket, Rajput was quoted as saying by News 18:
“As a captain, he is the best so far with young players. He keeps the dressing room very, very happy. Because he allows the batsmen to perform well and doesn’t put any pressure, and he is a jolly mood fellow. He keeps the mood very light, and that is what you saw in West Indies when India won the T20 World Cup.”
Rajput also backed Sharma to lead India to another ICC title by emerging victorious at the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy. Hailing the veteran batter as a friend, philosopher and guide to the youngsters, the 63-year-old added:
“Apart from the captain, he is also a friend, philosopher, and guide for many players. So, I think this CT will be another feather in his cap. And the way India has played so far, I do believe that there is another global trophy India can win.”
It is worth mentioning that Lalchand Rajput was India’s coach during India’s successful 2007 T20 World Cup campaign. Rohit Sharma was part of the squad and scored 88 runs across three innings, which included a quick-fire 30*-run knock in 16 balls during the final against Pakistan.
In addition, the former Indian cricketer also feels that he is more than just a captain for the players and remains confident in his leadership in India’s ongoing campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma and Co have sealed a spot in the semi-final stages after winning both their games in the group stages against Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively.
India kicked off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. They followed it up with another top-notch performance against arch-rivals Pakistan, beating them by six wickets. The Rohit Sharma-led side have qualified for the semifinals with one match to go.
They will take on New Zealand in their final group-stage match. The game will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 2. While both teams have booked berths in the semifinals, the winner of the clash will finish as the table-toppers of Group A.