Asia Cup 2018: Rohit Sharma credits MS Dhoni for impressive captaincy record

Rohit Sharma led the Indian cricket team to their seventh Asia Cup title after the Men in blue overcame a stubborn Bangladesh side in a nail-bitting final of continental event in Dubai.

With this win, the Indian run-machine has managed to keep his unbeaten record intact as the team skipper in ODI cricket. Rohit Sharma had last led the side to the Nidahas Trophy, a tri-nation series which was earlier held in Sri Lanka this year.

The flamboyant opening batsmen has received praises from many for the way he has led the side, whenever the opportunity has arised. The Asia Cup now adds to his win percentage of 87.50 in ODIs (7 wins in 8 matches) and 88.88 in T20Is (8 wins in 9 matches).

Even though, the Bangla Tigers put the pressure on India with their explosive batting, and later with their relentless bowling, Rohit Sharma displayed immense composure throughout, which visibly conveyed a calming influence on the rest of the team.

And much credit for this goes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. While the stocks of the talismanic wicket-keeper batsman might be dwindling rapidly, Rohit Sharma is proud of the fact that he has imbibed the ability to remain calm under pressure from his illustrious predecessor.

Coach Ravi Shastri has praised Rohit’s calm demeanour during their victorious Asia Cup campaign, a trait that he has picked up from his illustrious predecessor.

“Whatever I have seen of him (Dhoni) leading the side for all these years, he never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too,” skipper Rohit told mediapersons on Saturday.  

The stylish Mumbaikar spoke about qualities in Dhoni that he had tried to inculcate.

“I also try to first think and then react. Yes, 50-over cricket gives you time but still you need to take time as well. I have learnt this from seeing him. We have played for so many years under his captaincy. Whenever there is something, he is ready with advice.”

Dhoni didn’t exactly set the Asia Cup on fire with his batting but his smart glove-work and strategic interventions were for everyone to see.

“We always keep on learning from Dhoni bhai because he has been such a great captain. Whenever there were questions or doubts on the field, he was always there,” Rohit concluded.

Unlike the previous matches, the Indian top-order failed to dominate. Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik were dismissed cheaply early on. While Rohit Sharma's well-paced 48 runs and few handy contributions from the middle order helped India cross the finish line with just one ball to spare. 

The right-handed batsmen, who was axed from the Indian Test squad in England, made a brilliant comeback by flourishing in the format he loves the most. With 237 runs, Rohit Sharma was the second-highest run getter behind Shikhar Dhawan.

(PTI inputs)