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STUMP VISION OCTOBER 17, 2025 | The Indian Eye 42

From Boundaries to Brotherhood: Rohit

Sharma’s Masterclass in Modern Captaincy

Taking over from Dhoni and Kohli was no small task, but Rohit led with calm authority.

In 56 ODIs as captain, he guided India to 42 wins at a stunning 75% success rate

ARCHAN MEHTA

hen Rohit Sharma picks up
the bat, boundaries pack
Wtheir bags and get ready to
travel. From a promising youngster in
2007 to one of the finest ODI batters
by 2025, his journey has been pure
cinema complete with heartbreaks,
comebacks, and fireworks. Over 273
matches, he amassed 11,168 runs at
an average near 49, decorated with
three double centuries. But beyond
the numbers, it was his effortless
grace, those silken cover drives and
lazy pulls that turned batting into an
art form. Between 2017 and 2025, his When Rohit Sharma started opening like a man possessed, even Powerplays began applying for hazard pay (ANI file photo) Archan Mehta is a
average climbed above 52, making writer dedicated to telling compelling stories about athletes, teams, and the world of cricket
him the most consistent white-ball
artist of his time. Against Pakistan, he
turned pressure into poetry; against and fearless DNA. And he didn’t titles (2018 and 2023) and over 1,300 organized not a handover, but a con-
Sri Lanka, dominance into habit. preach from the sidelines; he led runs in ICC tournaments at an aver- tinuation. At just 26, Gill has grown
Leadership didn’t change Rohit, from the front. Suddenly, his strike age above 52, Rohit didn’t just win under Rohit’s mentorship and car-
it revealed him. When he became In- rate shot up, his intent skyrocketed, trophies he built a blueprint for fear- ries forward his fearless philosophy.
dia’s full-time ODI captain in 2017, and his message was loud: “If I want less, modern Indian cricket. The 2027 ODI World Cup may be
he didn’t roar, he just smiled the my team to attack, I’ll do it first.” Historically, India’s captains Gill’s mission, but it’s being built on
kind of smile that says, “Relax boys, When Rohit Sharma started have had their signatures: Ka- Rohit’s foundation. The selectors,
I’ve got this.” Taking over from Dho- opening like a man possessed, even pil Dev’s boldness, Dhoni’s calm, led by Ajit Agarkar, aren’t replacing
ni and Kohli was no small task, but Powerplays began applying for haz- Kohli’s aggression. Rohit found the a leader; they’re preparing the next
Rohit led with calm authority. In 56 ard pay. The 2023 ODI World Cup middle ground called balance. He one. With Rohit now 38 and set to
ODIs as captain, he guided India to became his masterpiece 597 runs at wasn’t loud like Kohli or ice-cool like touch 40 by the next World Cup this
42 wins at a stunning 75% success a strike rate of 125, setting India’s Dhoni, but he mixed their best traits moment offers the perfect opportu-
rate. But more than victories, he tempo with fearless precision. Under with empathy. His 75%-win record nity for a smooth passing of the ba-
brought the vibe back to Indian crick- his calm but commanding leader- as captain puts him in the company ton. Training under Rohit’s presence
et. Players said he listened before he ship, India didn’t crawl to 300; they of legends like Clive Lloyd and Ricky in the team gives Gill invaluable time
led, and that small difference created cruised there. His style was more Ponting. But beyond stats, it was his to shape his leadership while draw-
a big culture shift. The dressing room than evolution; it was rebellion, a human touch that set him apart. He ing from the calm storm himself.
became lighter, the team tighter. Un- message that Team India was done gave players freedom, backed them Every time India starts attacking
der Rohit, India didn’t just play to- playing safe. The results were spec- through slumps, and turned tension from ball one, you’ll know who wrote
gether they gelled together. tacular: India won 10 of 11 matches into trust. Under him, Indian cricket that script. Rohit Sharma didn’t just
Then came the turning point, in the 2023 World Cup before re- looked fun again. As one teammate lead Indian ODI cricket, he rewired
the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal demption arrived with an unbeaten joked, “With Rohit bhai, even team its heartbeat.
loss. Many would’ve sulked, but Ro- 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, meetings feel like stand-up comedy.” Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to
hit reloaded. He declared that India where Rohit lifted both the cup and Now, as the torch passes to telling compelling stories about athletes,
needed a new aggressive, modern, a nation’s spirits. With two Asia Cup Shubman Gill, the transition feels teams, and the world of cricket.

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