Gautam Gambhir, the former captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), recently made a candid revelation that sheds light on the impact of Rohit Sharma as a player in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In an interview with Star Sports, Gambhir expressed, “Rohit Sharma is the only player who gave me sleepless nights as captain. No Chris Gayle, no AB de Villiers, no one, only Rohit Sharma. Rohit is the only batsman I have feared in IPL.”
Gambhir, who led KKR to their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2012 and secured another triumph in 2014, highlighted the distinct fear he felt when facing Rohit Sharma in the IPL. This acknowledgment from Gambhir, who is known for his astute captaincy, sheds light on the exceptional skills and impact that Rohit Sharma has had in the T20 tournament.
No AB, No Gayle, Rohit Sharma is Only batter who’s gave me sleepless nights: Gautam Gambhir on Indian Captain
During Gambhir’s captaincy tenure at KKR, the team achieved notable success, with Gambhir at the forefront of their batting and leadership. Despite his captaincy achievements, Gambhir singled out Rohit Sharma as the batsman who caused him the most concern on the field. This praise from a seasoned campaigner like Gambhir underlines the respect and acknowledgment of Rohit’s prowess in the IPL arena.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership with the Mumbai Indians has been nothing short of remarkable. Under his captaincy, the team secured IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, making him the most successful captain in the history of the tournament, sharing the record with MS Dhoni. Rohit’s calm and strategic approach has played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ sustained success, and his ability to lead from the front as a batsman has been instrumental.
Analyzing Rohit Sharma’s batting record against KKR in the IPL further supports Gambhir’s comments. Over the years, spanning from 2008 to 2023, Rohit has faced KKR in 32 matches. Notably, he boasts an impressive average of 41.60, with a highest score of an unbeaten 109. His strike rate of 130.16, coupled with a century and six half-centuries, reflects his consistency and impact against KKR.
Gambhir’s revelation provides a glimpse into the intense rivalries and challenges within the IPL, where even successful captains like him had to contend with the unique threat posed by Rohit Sharma. As the IPL continues to be a breeding ground for fierce competition and memorable performances, Gambhir’s candid admission adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the tournament’s history.
Also read: “Back at it”: MI Captain Hardik Pandya Resumes Practice in Full Swing Ahead of IPL 2024
Thank you for reading.
