Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Rohit Sharma as the ‘genuine hero’ for leading his side to the final of the World Cup 2023 with his aggressive batting.

Batting first against New Zealand in the semi-final on November 15, Rohit gave an electric start with his 29-ball-47, comprising four fours and as many sixes. The rollicking innings set a launching pad for Virat Kohli (117 off 113) and Shreyas Iyer (105 off 70) to cash in, taking India’s score to 397-4 after 50 overs.

India sealed the match by 70 runs to enter the final, thanks to a seven-for from Mohammed Shami despite Daryl Mitchell (134 off 119) threatening to pull off a heist. India are 2/5 favourites to win the World Cup final with Betway.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain credited Rohit for revamping India’s playing style for the better: “The headlines tomorrow will be about Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Shami, but the genuine hero of this Indian team is Rohit Sharma. He has changed the culture of the team.”

Rohit has provided India with blazing starts while batting in this World Cup. His 550 runs as an opener in the tournament have come at a staggering strike rate of 124 while he still averaged 55.5. His explosive batting ensured India took the opponents by the scruff of their neck, almost killing the game in the initial ten overs.

Hussain narrated how India’s 10-wicket semi-final defeat against England in T20I World Cup 2022 had culminated in a change in their approach with Rohit at the helm of affairs: “When England defeated them by 10 wickets in the semis of the ICC T20 World Cup 2023, he [Rohit] told Dinesh Karthik that they would have to change their batting template.

“India were timid and posted a below-par total. Rohit decided to lead with an example after they match and he is actually doing it with his aggressive batting.

“Group stage games are different but to do it in a knockout match is special. New Zealand tested them today. Rohit went out and played his aggressive cricket. He gave a message to the dressing room that we are going to carry on with this mindset.”

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