‘He makes batting look so easy..’ – Former Pakistan legendary captain heaps praise on Rohit Sharma for his brilliant performances in ODI World Cup 2023

The Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has heaped praise on India’s captain Rohit Sharma, emphasizing Sharma’s remarkable ability to make batting appear effortless. Sharma played a pivotal role in India’s commanding 160-run victory over the Netherlands in the final group-stage match of the ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, contributing a crucial half-century. Akram continued to shower accolades on Rohit Sharma, lauding his smooth and masterful approach to batting.

The dynamic partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill showcased their exceptional skills, resulting in a century stand. Sharma also etched his name in ODI World Cup history by surpassing Eoin Morgan’s 2019 record, hitting a remarkable 23 sixes as a captain. Akram expressed boundless admiration for Sharma, considering him unparalleled in international cricket for his seemingly effortless batting prowess. Sharma’s elegant 61 off 54 deliveries, embellished with eight boundaries and two towering sixes, further highlighted his exceptional skills. Speaking to A Sports, Akram emphasized that there’s no player like Rohit in international cricket, stating that he makes batting look remarkably easy.

“There’s no player like Rohit Sharma in international cricket. We talk about Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Babar Azam but this guy is different. He makes batting look so easy no matter what the opposition or bowling attack,” said Akram.

He’s a kind of batter who will hit all five opposition bowlers: Shoaib Malik

In addition to this, aligning with Wasim Akram’s praise, former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik concurred, emphasizing the Indian opener’s knack for challenging every opposing bowler. In the ongoing World Cup 2023, the Mumbaikar has accumulated a noteworthy 503 runs in nine matches, maintaining an average of 55.88 at a brisk strike rate of 121.49. Remarkably, during his half-century, the star India opener also surpassed AB de Villiers’ record of 58 sixes in a calendar year, highlighting his prolific six-hitting prowess.

“He’s a kind of batter who will hit all five opposition bowlers. The batters that Wasim Akram named, they target 3-4 bowlers but Rohit goes after all five,” said Malik.

In the final group-stage match against the Netherlands, India’s captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill displayed formidable batting, amassing 91 runs in the first powerplay. Rohit achieved a half-century in the 14th over, contributing to India’s total of 410 for 4. Subsequently, India secured a convincing victory, dismissing the Netherlands for 250 runs and winning by 160 runs. They advance to face New Zealand in the semi-final on November 15 in Mumbai.