Ravichandran Ashwin credits Rohit Sharma for transforming India's ODI mindset
What's the story
Former Indian spinner R Ashwin has lauded Rohit Sharma for his selfless leadership, attributing to him the transformation of India's approach toward one-day international (ODI) cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin emphasized Rohit's muted celebration after scoring a match-winning century against England in Cuttack on February 9.
He implied this understated reaction was a sign of Rohit's focus on the bigger picture ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Here's what the former spinner had to say about the skipper.
Performance review
Rohit's century ends year-long drought
Rohit's century in Cuttack was a special one, ending a nearly year-long wait for a three-figure score in international cricket.
He scored a brilliant 119 off just 90 balls, guiding India to a successful chase of England's target of 305.
Meanwhile, Ashwin praised Rohit for his selfless attitude and aggressive playing style, which he thinks has been key to transforming India's ODI cricket.
Praise
Ashwin commends Rohit's selflessness and leadership
Ashwin praised Rohit's selflessness, saying, "One big quality of Rohit that I admire the most is that he is a selfless person."
He added, "He has, so many times, not worried about landmarks and still scored big runs."
Ashwin also praised Rohit for his calm post-match reactions and quiet celebrations while stating, "He is saying: My one-day form is good, but there are more people whom I have to praise and motivate."
Game changer
Rohit's leadership credited for India's ODI transformation
Ashwin admitted England revolutionized ODI cricket from 2015 to 2019, but India was slow to adapt.
He credited Rohit's leadership for India's eventual shift in one-day cricket, saying, "The game is changing. We all need to understand that cricket is bigger than any individual."
Ashwin added, "Who showed the way forward? Rohit Sharma." He called him the "burning light in the candle" that changed Indian cricket.
Batting style
Rohit's aggressive batting redefines India's ODI approach
Rohit's aggressive batting was on full display during the ODI World Cup, where he led India with a strike rate of 125.94 - the highest for any batter with more than 400 runs in the tournament.
The same approach continued into last year's ICC T20 World Cup, taking India to their first senior men's ICC title in over a decade.
Additionally, Ashwin also lauded Rohit for setting an example and playing for the country instead of personal scores or averages.
Stats
A look at the Indian skipper's ODI numbers
Rohit owns a total of 10,988 runs at an average of 49.05. He scored 2, 119 and 1 in the series against England.
He also boasts a strike rate of 92.69, alongside 32 tons and 57 fifties.
Additionally, Rohit now owns 49 international tons, equaling Australia's David Warner.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the Indian skipper owns 845 runs at an average of 49.70, (22 matches) against England.
His highest score is 264, which he hammered against Sri Lanka.