Yuvraj Singh, former Indian cricket star, expresses his heartfelt desire to see Rohit Sharma achieve his dream of winning a World Cup medal, emphasising the bond shared between the two former teammates. Having witnessed Rohit Sharma’s cricketing evolution since his debut in 2007, Yuvraj Singh’s wish highlights the admiration and respect he holds for Sharma’s remarkable journey in the cricketing world.
Yuvraj Singh’s name is synonymous with brilliance in Indian cricket. His career, stretching from 2000 to 2019, was a masterclass in all aspects of the game. He wielded the willow with authority as a left-handed batsman, striking fear into bowlers across formats. His bowling, and left-arm spin, proved to be a valuable weapon, and his fielding was nothing short of exceptional.
In Test matches, he accumulated over 1900 runs with a commendable average of 33.92. This included 3 well-constructed centuries and 11 fifties, displaying his ability to bat for long periods. However, it was in ODIs that he truly flourished. Over 8000 runs flowed from his bat at an average of 36.55, a testament to his consistent scoring ability.
This included a staggering 17 centuries and a whopping 71 fifties, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous ODI batsman. The T20 format also saw him contribute significantly, amassing over 1100 runs at an average of 28.02, peppered with 8 well-timed fifties. While his bowling wasn’t his primary weapon, he did manage to pick up 9 wickets in Test matches and a surprising 146 wickets in ODIs, all at respectable averages. The T20 format saw him claim 28 wickets, showcasing his adaptability across formats.
Rohit Sharma’s first-class debut for Mumbai in 2006 showcased his explosive batting style, with a particular fondness for launching the ball to the boundary. This early promise earned him a call-up to the national team in 2007. A turning point arrived in the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Promoted to open the batting in ODIs, Rohit Sharma unleashed his full potential. His career-defining knock of 177 against England in the final not only propelled India to victory but also announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in limited-overs cricket. Rohit has transformed into a white-ball behemoth.
Rohit Sharma holds the prestigious record for the most centuries (3) in ODI World Cups and etched his name in history by scoring the highest individual score (264) in ODI history. His dominance extends to T20Is as well, where he reigns supreme with the most centuries (4) by a batsman and the highest number of runs scored, a staggering 3737. The opening batter is poised to captain the ‘Men in Blue’ once more at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA, commencing from June 2nd.
What Yuvraj Singh Said about Rohit Sharma
the T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador, Yuvraj Singh told ICC. India’s quest for an ICC title extended to a decade after their loss to Australia in the World Cup 2023 final, with their last victory traced back to the Champions Trophy in 2013 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Yuvraj believes India requires someone of Rohit Sharma’s caliber to lead the team at the prestigious event as he said,
“(Rohit’s presence is going to be) very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he’s the one to take them,”
“He was the captain when we lost in the (Cricket World Cup) 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India,”
Yuvraj’s first impression of Rohit Sharma
Yuvraj has observed Rohit Sharma’s evolution since the latter debuted for the Indian team as a teenager back in 2007. Reflecting on their initial encounter, Yuvraj humorously remarked,
“Very poor English. A very funny guy. From the streets of Borivali (in Mumbai), we always tease him. But a great guy at heart,” said Yuvraj Singh.
Yuvraj’s last season as an active cricketer coincided with Rohit’s captaincy at MI.
“The more success he’s had, he has never changed as a person. That’s the beauty of Rohit Sharma. Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys, A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket. I really want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal. He really deserves it.” he added.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 : Yuvraj Singh Opens Up About Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s Future