Indian opener Rohit Sharma is in the form of his life. After leading his team Mumbai Indians to victory in the 2019 IPL, the right-hand batsman have already hit a couple of hundreds in the ongoing ICC World Cup.
The upswing in Rohit’s career
His exclusion of India’s 2011 World Cup squad played a key role in his transformation. Rohit came back in a massive manner, scoring runs in alien conditions. He is currently one of the finest white-ball cricketer and his childhood coach Dinesh Lad feels his ward started focusing more on the game since 2011.
“Since childhood I have seen his batting and there is no difference. The only different thing today is that he (Rohit) has got matured, because of experience”, Lad told PTI here.
“From 2007-2009 he had played well and scored two hundreds against Zimbabwe. After that (from) 2009-2011, because of fame and money, (he got) diverted. He was not looking after his cricket. Because of that he was dropped from the 2011 World Cup as he was not performing in that period,” said Lad.
Interestingly, Lad’s son Sidesh is Rohit’s teammate in the Mumbai circuit. He is also a member of Mumbai Indians, led- by Rohit. According to his coach, Rohit was gutted after being left out for the World Cup.
“That was very shocking to him. I called him (Rohit) to my home and told him.. listen Rohit, you know why Rohit is here (it is) because of only cricket. You got everything — fame, money from cricket. But (now) you are not looking after your cricket, so I am requesting you, just start practising.” he said.
A young Virat Kohli made it to the World Cup squad and Rohit, who had made his debut ahead of Kohli was left out in the cold. “Virat (Kohli) came after you and he is in the (2011) World Cup team. See the difference. Now you have to look after your cricket,” he reminded.
The advice worked well for Rohit as he cemented his place in limited overs cricket. The flamboyant cricketer will be vital in India’s road to another World Cup win. It will also be Rohit’s chance of lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.