Rohit Sharma: The Shinning Knight Of The Shorter Form

In fact, in his last 21 innings alone, Rohit has scored 6 centuries and is looking set for many more to come. Another point worth noting is that as an opener, Rohit’s average stands at around 52. The only other current ODI opener with an average of over 50 is Hashim Amla of South Africa.

- Bhavesh Bhimani

During the 1st match of the recent 5-match India- Australia ODI series, there was an interesting discussion on air between Harsha Bhogle and Damien Martyn. As Rohit Sharma was pummeling the Australian bowlers with ease, Harsha praised one of the shots that the Indian batsman played and said, “There is a lazy elegance about him.” After saying so, he countered his own statement by saying, “Why are the words ‘lazy elegance’ always associated with batsmen like Rohit? Isn’t that a bit unfair?” Martyn concurred to his views and stated that batsmen like Rohit have their graceful style which is often mistaken as laziness; especially when they get out cheaply.

Thankfully, in that match Rohit didn’t get out cheaply; scoring an outstanding 171 not out. However, there have been sever instances in the past where Rohit Sharma, whenever he gets out cheaply, has been unfairly criticized for being brash, careless and outright lazy. People fail to see the talent he possesses and want him to succeed at all times. In fact, the case of Rohit Sharma has been quite intriguing over the years. The Indian public, for some reason, loves to hate him. Many claim that he is the captain’s favourite. Some say that he is unduly favoured by the selectors. The criticisms just seem to pile on. However, time and again, Sharma makes them eat their words and shows them that he belongs to this stage. And in the first two matches of the India-Australia ODI series, he showed us yet again why he is such a master when it comes to the shorter format.