Mohammed Shami highlights captaincy difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Experienced Indian quick Mohammed Shami talked about the difference in captaincy styles of regular captain Virat Kohli and his limited-overs deputy Rohit Sharma, recognising the former as an aggressive leader while hailing the other’s cool personality. While Kohli has been a highly successful all-format skipper for India, Rohit has been filling in ably from time […]
 
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Mohammed Shami highlights captaincy difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Experienced Indian quick Mohammed Shami talked about the difference in captaincy styles of regular captain Virat Kohli and his limited-overs deputy Rohit Sharma, recognising the former as an aggressive leader while hailing the other’s cool personality.

While Kohli has been a highly successful all-format skipper for India, Rohit has been filling in ably from time and time in the white-ball arena and has notably led the team to title victories at the Nidahas Cup tri-series in Sri Lanka and Asia Cup 2018 in UAE.

Mohammed Shami mentioned the best aspect of Rohit’s captaincy, highlighting his positivity and the freedom he gives to the bowlers.

Also Read: “Virat Kohli Has Always Been Supportive Of His Fast Bowlers”, Says Mohammad Shami

“As a bowler, when I go to him for advice, he always gives positive answers. Rohit always pushes the bowlers to do what their mind tells them to, irrespective of how the batsman is playing or his strong points,” Mohammed Shami told India TV on Wednesday (May 19). “I think that is very important for the confidence of a fast bowler.”

Mohammed Shami highlights captaincy difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

India have won 8 of their 10 ODIs and clinched victories in 15 of their 19 T20Is under Rohit’s leadership. Rohit has also led Mumbai Indians (MI) to five titles in the history of IPL cricket, the most by any captain.

Mohammed Shami highlights captaincy difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Mohammed Shami has played under both Kohli and Rohit for India.

Mohammed Shami highlights captaincy difference between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Mohammed Shami said Rohit is a very different personality to Kohli, who expresses his emotions a lot more on the field and carries a fast-bowler like attitude, something that has worked well for the Indian pace attack under him.

“Rohit is a different character. He is a cool person, except when he comes to bat!” said Shami, adding on Kohli, “Fast bowlers are very aggressive, both old and new. But the one player who could probably emulate their aggression is our own captain! Sometimes, when a picture of Virat’s celebration of a wicket goes viral on social media, I funnily ask him, “Was it my wicket or yours?”.

“He celebrates more than the bowlers! Sometimes he points out that you don’t look too happy with the wicket, so I simply tell him, ‘You did all the celebration for me!’.”

“But it is important to have fun on the field. Virat shows aggression, obviously, but as a unit, he has led the team brilliantly so far. In addition, he is a very aggressive batsman too,” Mohammed Shami added.

Having recovered well from a fractured forearm through the IPL 2021 for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mohammed Shami will return to the Indian team after nearly six months in the forthcoming summer in UK. Kohli and company face New Zealand in the World Test Championship final from June 18 to 22 in Southampton and also take on England in a five-Test series, beginning August 4.