Moment of reckoning for Rohit as the leader

Having been left out of the victorious 2011 World Cup squad, he will captain the team as India bid to repeat that success at home

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

Tense sporting contests are often defined by the opening blows. A solid first punch can set the tone. Pakistan pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi had been delivering that to the Indian batting line-up since his spectacular first over in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai when he removed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in quick succession. At the ODI Asia Cup opener in Pallekele, he produced another electrifying burst of 4/35. He beat Rohit for pace and then induced an inside edge from Virat Kohli.

Ahead of their Super Four tie then, the discussion was about the psychological grip the fast bowler had on the Indian line-up. In Colombo, Indian fans watched nervously as Afridi ran in to bowl the first over. All eyes were on Rohit’s response. He calmly played out five balls. On the last delivery, Afridi erred a bit in line, drifting to middle-and-leg, and the India captain pounced with a flick for six over backward square-leg.

The psychological blow in a nervy, tactical battle for supremacy had been delivered. More than winning an ego battle or settling scores, it was more about a leader sending a message across to his dressing room, calming nerves. With the first blow executed, the hammering followed. Rohit’s teammates built on the perfect platform to rattle the Pakistan attack as India romped to a 228-run win, subsequently going on to win the title.

That six reflected Rohit’s personality – confident of his skills and filled with belief regardless of the opponent’s reputation. All traits of a fine leader.

Pakistan can intimidate opponents, especially when their fast bowlers are on song. But in Rohit, India have a seasoned player as leader.