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'He Puts The Opposition Under Pressure' - Wasim Akram Hails Rohit Sharma 

image-lp0t7ymdRohit Sharma has been outstanding (Twitter)

On a day where Virat Kohli recorded an emotional 50th One-Day Internationals ton, Shreyas Iyer blasted a magnum opus century and Shubman Gill struck a majestic 80 not out, it would've been hard to recall Rohit Sharma's quickfire 47 off 29 at the start of the ICC World Cup 2023 semifinal against New Zealand. 

However, Pakistan fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram wasn't one to fail in giving another impactful Rohit cameo it's due as he acknowledged the experienced Indian opener's match-winning influence on his team's fortunes by ruffling the Kiwi feathers early. 

In a critical first powerplay where New Zealand seamers were expected to swing the ball prodigiously and potentially build inroads, Rohit made a statement by hammering four fours and four sixes in an excellent knock that laid the perfect foundation for India's mammoth 397/4 in 50 overs.

Right through the tournament, Rohit has done his job as a valiant top-order aggressor to perfection while carrying a selfless outlook. Even as others have hogged the limelight and raised their bats for centuries, the captain of the ship has been happy to make only brief but pivotal appearances at the crease. 

Wasim Akram Lauds Rohit Sharma 

Without Rohit's eye-catching tally of 550 runs at a strike rate of 124.15, much of India's plans and sustained strategy as a batting unit would've endured a bump at some stage of the competition. What they've enjoyed instead has been a terrific ride to ten consecutive triumphs with the captain leading from the front. 

"Deserving candidates to qualify for the final. It was a complete performance in every aspect of the game, batting, bowling, fielding and captain leading from the front," Wasim said on Pakistan-based 'A Sports'.


"We do not hear a lot about Rohit because he does not reach centuries, or hit double centuries, but the starts that he gives. He scored 47 off 29 balls, India hit 84 in the first 10 overs, that was the platform that India really needed."

"Look at the shots that he played. He puts the opposition under pressure with his batting and from there India get to 397. The quality of Indian batting made the New Zealand bowling attack look pedestrian," he added.