'There is real intent': Nasser Hussain reveals what makes 'captain' Rohit Sharma stand out at WC

In a thrilling clash at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Rohit Sharma's aggressive captaincy and Virat Kohli's masterful century led India to a resounding 6-wicket victory over Bangladesh, captivating cricket enthusiasts around the world. The match was a testament to the prowess of these two Indian cricketing stalwarts.

3 things you need to know

• India beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets in Pune 
• Virat Kohli hit his 48th ODI hundred during the match 
• India will next face New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22

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Rohit Sharma: One of the best white-ball batters 

Rohit Sharma, renowned for his explosive batting, showcased his mastery on the field yet again. Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain could not help but praise Sharma's batting and record in World Cups.

Hussain, while speaking on Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', stated, “I have thought for a long time, he's one of the best white ball batters there has ever been. His record is up there with the best, he's done it in World Cups. His record against Bangladesh is magnificent, his pull shot, at one stage we showed a graphic - he was averaging 400 in the pull shot in the last couple of years.

“He got out to it in the end but not before he had done a lot of damage. The most important thing I like is intent, there is real intent, for a while they played a bit of timid Cricket in the T20 World Cup in Australia and they lost to England in Adelaide in that semi-final. This looks like a different top three, the way Rohit, Shubman and Virat are playing are going to put a lot of top order bowlers under pressure.”

Moreover, Hussain lauded Rohit Sharma's leadership in the World Cup. He commended Sharma's strategic thinking, especially in key moments of the game. When faced with the challenge of losing a bowler, Sharma demonstrated his tactical acumen by rotating his bowlers effectively.

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Rohit Sharma's strategic thinking

“Just the way when you lose a bowler, the way you have to think about bowlers are key moments in the games. Kuldeep was bowling really well, and he realised the way Siraj has come back with those cross seam deliveries and then he went to Siraj, he  got the wicket, and then he went back to Kuldeep, Jadeja and Bumrah. He just rotated his bowlers, and as Dinesh Karthik said on commentary, it wasn’t just the rotation, he was always rotating, looking to get a wicket. So, a bit like his batting where he has the attacking option, it’s the same with his captaincy,” Hussain said.

The victory showcased Sharma's aggressive and astute captaincy. With the way Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli are performing, bowlers from opposing teams are undoubtedly feeling the heat.

India's win over Bangladesh is a significant step forward in their campaign at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. India will next face New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on October 22.