MS Dhoni vs Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Dinesh Karthik points out captaincy differences of the trio
Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik has explained the difference in captaincy styles of leaders MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, having played under all of them.
The Indian cricket team presently has a few excellent leaders in the form of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While Kohli remains the captain in all three formats, the rotation of squad BCCI has been up to in order to keep the players fresh, has seen Rohit being given the baton on numerous occasion. While Dhoni remains the 'unofficial captain' because of the experience he brings to the team, Dinesh Karthik highlighted the key difference in the leadership styles of the trio.
Be it the role of a pure wicket-keeper, finisher or number four batsman, Karthik has seen him in the mix of things in limited overs cricket. His experience and versatility have helped him not to just remain in India's ICC World Cup plans but also become an incredibly valuable member of the team.
Karthik, just like any other player, has required the support of his skipper from time to time and play as per the strategy and mindset that the captain brings. Having played under Kohli, Dhoni as well as Rohit, the Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman could explain the different styles of leadership the three stalwarts bring to the team.
“MS is very instinctive as a skipper. He takes a lot of decisions on the field in the spur of the moment. Virat on the other hand, is very aggressive, likes to take on the opposition. He is immensely self-confident and has consistently kept raising the bar, as a batter and a leader,” Karthik was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Rohit, on the other hand, has stepped up in Kohli's absence to deliver results with immaculate efficiency. Be it the Asia Cup 2018 in UAE or the New Zealand tour, the 31-year-old has managed to pull off a decent show whenever he has been asked to take up captaincy.
“And then there is Rohit. He always does his homework, is very strategic, very hands-on. Keeps going and speaking with his bowlers, has a word with the batters too. He is very thorough in his approach as a captain,” Karthik explained while talking about the Hitman's leadership style.
Karthik is likely to be a part of India's upcoming limited overs series against Australia, the squad for which is expected to be announced on February 15. A good performance against the Aussies would but confirm Karthik's place in India's World Cup squad.