Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, is thrilled with India’s flawless performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Expressing his admiration, Lad voiced his desire to witness the Men in Blue’s captain, Rohit Sharma, lift the coveted trophy.

In the ODI World Cup journey, India has emerged victorious against formidable opponents, including five-time winners Australia, arch-rivals Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. With an unbeaten streak of eight wins, India aims to secure a ninth victory in the league stage, propelling them to the semifinals.

Dinesh Lad shared his enthusiasm during the collaboration between Indian Railways and Legends League Cricket, which launched a national campaign. The campaign involves transporting the league’s trophy on Vande Bharat trains. It commences from Mumbai to Surat and traverses 17 states and union territories.

Reflecting on Rohit Sharma’s exceptional performance, Lad highlighted the captain’s dominance with the bat, amassing over 400 runs in eight innings with a striking rate exceeding 120. Lad expressed confidence in India’s World Cup victory, citing the outstanding performances of both batsmen and bowlers.

“I’m thrilled by this fantastic experience. Numerous seasoned players participate in the league. I’m confident that India will clinch the World Cup this year. Our players are delivering exceptional performances. Both our batters and bowlers are doing exceptionally well. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the World Cup trophy in Rohit Sharma’s hands. I’ve been coaching him since he was 12,”Lad said ANI.

As India prepares for its final league match against the Netherlands at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Legends League Cricket and Indian Railways’ collaborative campaign continues to capture the nation’s cricketing fervor. The 15-day extravaganza aims to engage cricket enthusiasts across the country through this unprecedented experience.

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Former player Sourav Ganguly recently spoke about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Rohit was given the leadership role in T20Is after Virat Kohli stepped down from the post. Rohit was told to lead the one-day side after Virat was sacked.

The national selectors and the Board of Control for Cricket in India were looking for one skipper in white-ball cricket. Kohli wanted to continue as a captain in the fifty-over and Test formats.

The veteran decided to quit Test captaincy after losing the series in South Africa. Rohit became Team India’s full-time skipper across formats.

Ganguly, who was the President of the BCCI then, told Sharma to take the command. However, the Mumbai-based player refused to accept the direction. Sourav threatened to announce his name publicly and Rohit had no choice but to say yes.

“Rohit doesn’t wanted the captaincy because there was a lot of pressure on playing all formats. It had come on a stage and told him that if he doesn’t say yes, I will announce his name. I am happy that he listened to me and is now leading from the front. You guys can check the results,” he told Kolkata TV.

After failing to lead the Indian team to success in the final of the World Test Championship against Australia and the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup against England, Rohit is finally enjoying success in the ICC tournament.

India are unbeaten after 8 games in the ICC World Cup 2023 and will taken on New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium on November 15.

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New Zealand registered a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka to virtually qualify for the semi-finals. Notably, now Pakistan need to beat England by 287 runs or chase the target in 2.3 overs, which has never happened before in cricket.

Trent Boult won the player of the match award for his three-wicket haul. After the win, Boult sent a warning to India and remarked that everyone wants a piece of the home nation.

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“It’ll be exciting to face India in the Semi-Finals. Everyone wants a piece of the home nation. They’re playing phenomenal cricket.”

If New Zealand qualify for the semi-finals, it will be a repeat of the 2019 semi-finals, where the Kiwis beat India by 18 runs.

Nonetheless, India ended their 20-year-long losing streak against New Zealand in ICC events after they beat the Blackcaps by four wickets in Dharamsala on October 22.

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In the pulsating world of international cricket, India national cricket team has emerged as an indomitable force in the ICC World Cup 2023, displaying a breathtaking performance that has captivated fans and experts alike. With an unparalleled record of eight consecutive victories and one final match awaiting against the Netherlands, India’s unbeaten streak stands as a testament to their exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination. Under the inspiring captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has showcased a blend of aggressive batting, a potent bowling attack, and remarkable team depth, leaving opponents in awe and cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. This incredible journey to success can be dissected into five pivotal factors: the dynamic opening partnership, a perfectly balanced team composition, the prowess of their formidable bowling attack, the consistency of the middle-order batsmen, and Sharma’s masterful captaincy. As India’s quest for World Cup glory reaches its climax, let’s delve deeper into these compelling reasons that have propelled the Indian team into cricketing history.

1) Sharma and Gill: Channeling the Spirit of Legends

In the exhilarating saga of India’s unparalleled success in the 2023 ICC World Cup, the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has emerged as a formidable force, channelling the audacious spirit of cricketing legends Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya from the iconic 1996 World Cup. Just as Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya revolutionized the concept of aggressive opening batting, Sharma and Gill have seamlessly replicated their fearless approach, sending shockwaves through the opposition ranks. Like the Sri Lankan legends, the duo’s audacious style involves going hard at the bowling attack right from the outset, setting the stage for explosive innings. Sharma’s masterful technique, coupled with Gill’s youthful exuberance, has provided blazing starts and established a solid platform for India’s middle-order onslaughts. Their electrifying partnership mirrors the fearlessness of Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya, showcasing India’s dominance in the tournament’s early overs.

2) Perfect Team Balance: The Heart of Success

Their impeccable team balance lies at the core of India’s undefeated spree in the 2023 ICC World Cup. With six proficient batters and five versatile bowlers, including the all-around prowess of Ravindra Jadeja, India has struck a harmonious equilibrium. This perfect balance has been the heartbeat of their success, allowing adaptability and resilience in various match situations. The strategic combination of aggressive stroke players and, reliable batting department finishers, and a formidable bowling attack epitomizes the essence of a well-rounded team. This equilibrium instills confidence and ensures that India can counter any challenge thrown their way, making it a formidable force to reckon with on the world stage.

3) The Bowling Behemoths: Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah

India’s bowling attack in the 2023 ICC World Cup stands as a testament to sheer brilliance and unwavering determination. The formidable trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, along with the spin expertise of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, has caused immense trouble for opposing batsmen. With their lethal pace, accuracy, and spin combinations, they have orchestrated remarkable victories, consistently bowling out opponents. Their exceptional performances include bundling out Australia for 199, Pakistan for 191, Sri Lanka for a mere 55, England for 129, and South Africa for a paltry 83 runs. This dominant display highlights their ability to dismantle strong batting line-ups, providing India with crucial breakthroughs. Having bowled out teams in six out of eight matches, this bowling unit has been the cornerstone of India’s success, setting them apart as the tournament’s best bowling attack.

4) Middle Order Brilliance: The Pillars of Strength

India’s middle-order batting prowess has been a cornerstone of their unbeaten streak in the 2023 ICC World Cup, with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer emerging as the show stars. Timing their peak form to perfection, Rahul has amassed a staggering 245 runs at an average of over 60, while Iyer has displayed remarkable consistency with 293 runs at an average of nearly 50. Their ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed has been invaluable for India. Moreover, the finishing brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja cannot be overlooked. His composure under pressure and ability to steer India to victory in tight situations has been nothing short of exemplary. With the middle-order firing on all cylinders, India’s batting line-up has proven to be resilient and formidable, making them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

5) Rohit Sharma’s Masterful Captaincy

Under the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma, India has found a captain who not only leads from the front with his batting prowess but also exudes strategic brilliance on the field. Sharma’s decision-making acumen, tactical brilliance, and ability to inspire his team have been instrumental in India’s unbeaten run. His captaincy has brought out the best in each player, fostering a cohesive team spirit and resilience that have proven to be invaluable assets on the field.

In the grand tapestry of the 2023 ICC World Cup, India’s unbeaten run shines as a testament to their exceptional cricketing prowess and collective brilliance. India has showcased a cricketing masterclass with a dynamic opening partnership, a perfectly balanced team, a formidable bowling attack, and a dependable middle-order. Led by the strategic brilliance of Rohit Sharma, they have not just won matches but instilled fear in opponents. Their journey, marked by audacious strokes, precise bowling, and nerve-wracking finishes, has exemplified true sportsmanship and determination. As they gear up for the final clash, India stands as a team and a symbol of unwavering spirit, setting the stage for a glorious culmination of a memorable tournament.

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In a recent turn of events during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Sri Lankan allrounder Angelo Mathews found himself at the center of a controversial dismissal, becoming the first batter in international cricket to be timed out. The incident unfolded when Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed, claiming that Mathews had exceeded the two minute time limit to be ready to face a delivery.

Mathews defended himself, stating that he had arrived on time and, upon discovering his broken helmet strap, called for a replacement, causing a delay. This contentious situation has divided opinions among former cricketers, with one notable voice being former Indian batsman Mohammed Kaif.

Expressing his disapproval, Kaif criticized Shakib for not retracting the appeal and suggested that he should learn from the Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

Kaif referred to a past incident where Rohit Sharma withdrew a run-out appeal during an ODI between India and Sri Lanka. The appeal involved Mohammed Shami removing the bails at the non-striker’s end when the batsman Shanaka was on 98 and his team needed 83 runs off three balls. Despite the opportunity to dismiss Shanaka, Rohit chose sportsmanship over victory and withdrew the appeal.

“Shakib should learn from Rohit Sharma,” Kaif wrote on X.

“I didn’t know Shami did that and then appealed. Shanaka was batting at 98. His batting was outstanding, and credit to him. We can’t dismiss him like that. Our plan was different, and we didn’t consider this,” Rohit said during the post match interview.

In contrast, Mathews, addressing the controversy in a media interaction, expressed his belief that Shakib had the option to withdraw the appeal.

“Yes, Shakib had a choice. He knew it wasn’t time-wasting, and I was within the time limit. He had the option to withdraw the appeal, but he chose a different path. In my opinion, if it were any other team, they wouldn’t have taken that route,” Mathews said.

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In a recent interview on the Star Sports show “Follow the Blues,” former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar praised Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Bangar highlighted Sharma’s exceptional support for players recovering from injuries and facing low confidence.

According to Bangar, Sharma’s backing has played a crucial role in the successful comebacks of several Indian players returning from injuries.

“I think what sets him apart is that he has supported players who were dealing with injuries and low confidence. Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah were all making comebacks after being injured. He made sure they felt like a crucial part of the team, that the team has faith in their abilities, and that they would have opportunities. For a player, when a captain expresses such support, it means everything. Another captain who did something similar is Sourav Ganguly, identifying players like Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, and Ashish Nehra. So, Rohit Sharma’s contribution as a captain in this aspect is truly remarkable,” he said.

The upcoming match against the Netherlands on November 12 will mark India’s last league game in the ongoing World Cup. After their triumph in the group stage, India will now face the fourth-placed team in the semi-final. Determined to end their decade-long ICC Trophy drought, skipper Rohit Sharma and his team are ready to give their all and maintain their winning streak in the knockouts.

As the semi-final approaches, India, South Africa, and Australia have already qualified, while the fourth spot remains undecided with several teams in contention.

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Several Indian legends such as Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan came to the scene under Sourav Ganguly’s leadership in early 2000s. Dada is credited for revolutionising a generation of cricket.

Meanwhile, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Ganguly for his leadership and compared Rohit Sharma’s captaincy to Ganguly’s. The former all-rounder credited Sharma for supporting his players during the ICC World Cup 2023.

Sanjay Bangar expressed that Rohit Sharma’s unique selling point (USP) is to support players who are struggling with low morale. According to Bangar, Rohit has backed players who were injured or low on confidence, such as Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, and given them the confidence that they were an integral part of the team and that the team believes in their abilities. This, in turn, has helped these players to perform well and get more opportunities.

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“When a captain makes such a statement, it holds the utmost importance for a player. Sourav Ganguly had also made a similar move when he recognized the potential of Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. Therefore, Rohit Sharma’s action of identifying a talented player is a remarkable contribution as a captain.”

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The fourth week of the 2023 World Cup is behind us. After four weeks, South Africa were on the top of the points table, with 12 points from seven matches, while hosts India were second with 12 points from six games, remaining unbeaten again. Australia were steady at third with eight points, extending their winning run to four consecutive matches. New Zealand slipped to fourth. They have now lost three games in a row after beginning with four consecutive wins. Pakistan moved up to fifth spot with a crucial seven-wicket win over Bangladesh.

Looking at the second half of the points table, Afghanistan remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, with six points from six games. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands were on four points each, while Bangladesh became the first team to be knocked out after losing to the Netherlands. England remain last after another luckless week. Here is the World Cup XI for week four.

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Travis Head

Indian captain Rohit Sharma would lead the World Cup team of week four. The Indian captain played a fine knock of 87 off 101 balls against England in Lucknow. On a challenging batting surface, he held the innings together after the early loss of wickets put India in trouble.

Quinton de Kock scored another hundred in week four, but we went for Travis Head as Rohit’s opening partner. The Aussie made a brilliant comeback from injury, smashing 109 off only 67 balls against New Zealand in Dharamsala. His innings put the Kiwis on the back foot from the word go.

Middle order: Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen, Scott Edwards (wk)

Fakhar Zaman made a stupendous comeback after being dropped from the playing XI due to poor form. He scored a crucial 81 off 74 balls against Bangladesh in Kolkata, which helped Pakistan register a significant win.

South African batter Rassie van der Dussen hammered a brilliant 133 off 118 balls in the match against New Zealand in Pune. The innings featured nine fours and five sixes as the Proteas posted 357/4.

There were many big knocks in the 2023 World Cup in week four, but Netherlands’ captain and keeper-batter Scott Edwards found a place for his defiant half-century in their triumph over Bangladesh. With this team in trouble, Edwards anchored the innings with 68 off 89 balls, which went a long way in Netherlands victory.

All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen

This was the week of all-rounders in the 2023 World Cup. Three of them thus feature in the XI of week four. Glenn Phillips picked up 3/37 in New Zealand’s clash against Australia in Dharamsala. He also scored a defiant 60 in the big loss to South Africa.

Azmatullah Omarzai came up with a wonderful all-round effort in the win over Sri Lanka in Pune. He first picked up the big wicket of in-form opener Pathum Nissanka and then hammered an unbeaten 73 off 63 in the chase of 242.

Proteas all-rounder Marco Jansen scored a handy 20 against Pakistan and then claimed 3/43. Against New Zealand, he picked up another three-wicket haul. Jansen had 16 wickets to his name from seven games after week four.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Shami, Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi makes the team of the week after lifting himself following a middling start to the tournament. The pacer picked up 3/45 against South Africa and followed it up with 3/23 versus Bangladesh.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had another exceptional game. He followed up his five-for against New Zealand with 4/22 against England as India successfully defended a total of 229. India have been even more lethal in bowling with Shami’s addition. 

Proteas left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi starred with 4/60 and was Player of the Match as South Africa registered a close one-wicket win over Pakistan. Shamsi got the big wickets of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel.

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Former Pakistan cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Sikandar Bakht have expressed their views on Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s batting technique, with both suggesting improvements and highlighting the team unity in the Indian cricket squad.

Razzaq, a former all-rounder, questioned Babar Azam’s classification as a world-class batsman.

“Fakhar Zaman is the number one batter. New Zealand batters praised him. Our captain lacks that class. Look at Rohit, he’s prepared to score 10 runs in the first over and 15 in the second. Our captain has a different playing style, but he should observe what Rohit is doing,” he said.

“World-class players are those who seize the game from the opposition. In our era, it was Matthew Hayden, Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting,” he added.

“‘We kept talking about the world’s number one batter. I want to ask whether it helps in getting good contracts. It seems like he tops in the class but fails in the matric exam,” former Pakistan pacer Sikandar Bakht said on Geo Super.

Razzaq also credited Rohit Sharma for India’s success, attributing it to their unity and confidence. He commended India for adapting to home conditions effectively, noting their strategic approach to batting and aggressive bowling tactics. Bakht agreed, acknowledging India’s strength in both batting and bowling, especially in home conditions.

While discussing the influence of home conditions, Razzaq praised India for capitalizing on their familiarity with the pitches.

“India is capitalizing on the home advantage. Their approach against South Africa in the initial ten overs provided them with an edge. From overs 11 to 30, they were content with scoring three to four runs per over. In the last 10 overs, they increased their intensity. Despite knowing that 250 would be sufficient on this pitch, they opted for an aggressive brand of cricket,” he added.

Bakht supported this perspective, referencing India’s performance in Sri Lanka and the Asia Cup final, where they bundled out Sri Lanka for 50. He emphasized the importance of a strong bowling unit and acknowledged India’s overall proficiency in both spin and pace.

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Mohammad Hafeez called Virat Kohli selfish while others lambasted him for his slow batting against South Africa in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has explained Virat’s role in the ongoing tournament.

The 35-year-old accumulated 101 runs off 121 balls, laced with 10 fours. His innings took the team to 326/5 in 50 overs. There were other players who played around him but the veteran’s knock was crucial, considering the slow nature of the wicket.

The Proteas couldn’t handle the pressure and were dismissed for 83 runs.

“Everyone in Team India has got a role. Virat Kohli is playing according to the role given to him. He is taking time and balls as he has to stay till the end. Virat is not thinking about the strike-rate as that plays an important role in T20 cricket. Teams are getting all out but not the Indian team because Virat is standing there. Shubman Gill is struggling but Rohit Sharma is covering him with his performances,” he said.

Virat is the second highest run-scorer in the event. He has hit two hundreds and 4 fifties so far.

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