Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa commended skipper Rohit Sharma for his exceptional captaincy during the intense Pakistan clash in the 2024 T20 World Cup held in New York on June 9. Uthappa was particularly impressed by Rohit’s strategic decision to resist the temptation of opening the bowling with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Despite defending a modest total of 119, Rohit chose to start with Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, who bowled the first two overs. Bumrah was then introduced and delivered a match-winning spell of 3/14 in his four overs, leading India to a thrilling six-run victory.
Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel post-game, Uthappa praised Rohit’s tactical acumen:
“What I loved about the second innings was Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. It was class, responsive captaincy.” He added, “Anyone else in Rohit’s place, defending 119, would have brought on the trump card in the first over. But Rohit said ‘no’. He trusted everyone, he kept faith in each one of them. He said ‘you come and execute your role’. In doing that, he actually gave them confidence not just for this match, but for the rest of the tournament.”
Uthappa further elaborated: “He was saying ‘I trust your ability to bowl where you have to bowl’. He brought Arshdeep in the first over, gave Siraj his second over, and then went to Bumrah for the two most important overs in the powerplay. What did Bumrah do? He nearly got a wicket in his first over and then dismissed Babar Azam in his second.” Siraj, although wicketless, delivered a crucial performance with figures of 0/19 in four overs, while Arshdeep picked up 1/31 in his four overs.
Bumrah’s performance earned him his second consecutive Player of the Match award, following his heroics against Ireland in India’s opening game.
“Typically Vice-Captain Role” – Uthappa on Hardik Pandya’s Impact
Uthappa also praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his resilient spell, despite a challenging start against Pakistan. The 30-year-old conceded 18 runs in his first two overs but made a strong comeback, finishing with impressive figures of 2/24 in four overs.
“It was just out of the top drawer, Rohit Sharma. Brilliant, brilliant captaincy! All the bowlers responded well. Even Hardik Pandya. In the first two overs, he gave away 18 runs. Then he got two wickets and conceded just 7 or 6 runs. Four overs, 24 runs, 2 wickets. Typically vice-captain role. Top cricket,” said Uthappa. Hardik also starred with the ball in India’s opener against Ireland, taking 3/27.
India, riding high on their winning streak, will face co-hosts USA in their next match on Wednesday, June 12, looking to maintain their dominant form in the tournament.
