The saying goes, ‘Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”. True in most cases but there are a few who thrive under the burden of the crown. In fact they want these crowns to channelise their energies and show their talent. Rohit Sharma is definitely one such personality. Responsibility and leadership inspire him.
His character, which appears dull, and happy-go-lucky attitude ignite under pressure and this unassuming middle class Mumbai boy comes into his own.
After spending one decade in international cricket, with all the highs and lows, recently, during India’s tour of Sri Lanka, Rohit was elevated as the vice-captain of the Indian team in the shorter formats of the game.
And one could immediately see the sense of responsibility and purpose in his demeanour. He was the second highest run getter in the ODI series that Indian won 5-0. Any guesses who was the highest run getter? Rohit’s captain Virat Kohli!
Rohit is blessed with an abundance of talent. He does the job of the butcher with the attitude of an artist. He is one such batsman who would be shredding you into pieces and you would be admiring his lazy elegance, his majestic timing and balance. He has Virender Sehwag’s courage and David Gower’s elegance.
Many a time, critics are bemused that why someone who is oozing with so much capability doesn’t have the right composure to make it really big. At times, when you see his suddenly terrible shot selection, you feel he has so much ability that his own deeds bore him.
Watching him from close quarters one can vouch that there isn’t a shortage in intent. Sometimes his batting is a classic example of those who live by the sword and die by it.
Well, God has his ways. He would give you one thing in abundance and for others he would urge to strive and struggle. All these years Rohit’s talent has never been in question, what has been questioned is his temperament to make the most of God’s generosity. Especially in whites, he somehow hasn’t been able to make a place for himself.
His record in shorter cricket however, demands respect and applauses. Maybe a person like him needs a greater burden to channelise his energies.
Else, how will you explain Mumbai Indians’ three IPL titles under the leadership of Rohit? It’s an open secret how Rohit got captaincy and turned around things. In 2013, Ricky Ponting dropped himself from the eleven and Rohit was called in. And since then, he has made them one of the most successful IPL teams.
He has managed the demands of highly involved and driven owners, passionate fans and a dressing room full of ex and current stars who come with their own philosophies and egos.
Rohit has patiently managed all, without a voice being heard. He performed as a leader and won the admiration of the dressing room. It was like he needed something bigger than his own game to find a next level. All these were great signs of leadership.
This elevation to be the next vice captain of the Indian cricket team could be a shot in the arm for Rohit’s career in international cricket. As a human being Rohit is quiet, honest, always respectful, opinionated and someone who would never shy away from expressing it to anyone.
And that’s what Virat needs the most from his deputy, particularly when every innings, every match and every series is a step towards the ultimate goal of preparing the team for the 2019 World Cup.
India needs Rohit, who is secure, engaged and committed to conquer his own demons for the greater glory of the team. So 'Hitman' version 2.0 is launched in Sri Lanka and by the looks of it we would be celebrating this wonderful man and batsman in the coming years, and hopefully in whites also. Amen!
(This article was first published on 25 September 2017 and has been reposted from The Quint’s archives on the occasion of Rohit Sharma’s birthday.)
(Nishant Arora is an award-winning cricket journalist, and most recently, the media manager of the Indian Cricket Team. He also co-authored the best-selling book on Yuvraj Singh’s battle with cancer.)
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