Jos Buttler lauds Rohit Sharma for India's aggressive approach (ODIs)
What's the story
England cricket team captain, Jos Buttler, has praised his Indian counterpart Rohit Sharma for guiding India toward a more aggressive approach in one-day internationals (ODIs).
The praise came just ahead of the ODI series opener in Nagpur.
During a press conference, Buttler emphasized the importance of sticking to a certain playing style in white-ball cricket and lauded Rohit for promoting this change in the Indian team.
Here's more.
Tournament recap
Rohit's impressive performance in 2023 ODI World Cup
Rohit 's captaincy was on full display in the 2023 ODI World Cup as he never shied away from playing fearlessly.
He scored a phenomenal 597 runs at a strike rate of 125.94 and an average of 54.27 in the tournament.
Even though India lost to Australia in the final, Rohit continued his good form as he smashed a quickfire 47 off just 31 balls.
Captain's perspective
Buttler on Rohit's aggressive approach
Buttler, speaking to the media in Cuttack ahead of the first ODI, reiterated the importance of not just picking a style but executing it well on the field.
He said, "If I look back at that World Cup, the two teams in the final were playing a really positive and aggressive brand of cricket."
He further added, "Rohit takes a lot of credit for the way he's come out and played himself as a captain and pushed India."
Team strategy
England's struggles and future plans in white-ball cricket
England have been criticized for their lack of versatility in the recently concluded T20I series against India, where they lost 1-4 to a formidable Indian spin attack led by Varun Chakravarthy.
Despite these challenges, Buttler was confident about England's ability to improve their performance in the 50-over format with a clearer game plan.
He stated, "We want to find ways to put pressure on the opposition with the bat. You've got to take wickets, I think, and it's crucial."
Looking forward
England's performance and future prospects in ODIs
After a dismal title defense in the 2023 ODI World Cup, England have only managed to win four out of their next 11 matches in this format.
However, Buttler and newly-appointed white-ball coach Brendon McCullum are keen to turn the team's fortunes around before the Champions Trophy.
The upcoming ODI series against India will be a stern test for England as they look to bounce back from their recent woes.
Numbers
Rohit's ODI numbers and recent ODI series showdown
The Indian skipper is the second-highest run-scorer among active Indian players in ODIs (trailing Virat Kohli).
Rohit has amassed 10,866 runs at an average of 49.16 (265 matches).
He also owns a strike rate of 92.43, including 31 tons and 57 fifties. His highest score reads 264, (against Sri Lanka).
Meanwhile, despite India's loss in the ODI series (2024) vs SL, Rohit was the leading run scorer with 157 runs (AVG: 52.33, three matches).
He also hammered two fifties.