Image Source: cricketaddictor.com
Former cricketer Yograj Singh has once again spoken openly, this time coming out firmly in support of India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma. He praised Rohit’s class, long career, and match-winning abilities while lashing out at critics who question the star opener’s fitness.
Rohit has already retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket, which means his future appearances will mostly come in ODIs. Even though the 50-over format has started losing space in the global calendar, Yograj believes Rohit still has a lot to contribute if he focuses on peak fitness.
Rohit’s last major outing was in March, during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He led from the front with a brilliant 76 off 83 balls, a knock that helped India lift the trophy. The innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
Yograj called this innings clear proof of Rohit’s unmatched talent in ODIs. He told News18 CricketNext, "The man about whom so many people speak rubbish, Rohit Sharma — I said that day that Rohit will be my man, the man, my man."
Highlighting Rohit’s dominance, Yograj added, "The way he batted, his batting one side and the rest of the team’s batting on the other side. His innings on one side and the rest of the world on the other. That’s his class."
He even urged Rohit to keep going for several more years. Yograj said, "You can say, ‘Rohit, aapki hume 5 saal aur zarurat hai yaar’ (Rohit, we need you for five more years, man) so please do more for your country, work on your fitness and everything. Put four men on him, make him run 10 kilometres every morning. He has the class to play till 45 years of age, if he wants."
Known for his blunt views, Yograj didn’t hold back when addressing those who doubt Rohit’s fitness or game sense without ever playing competitive cricket themselves.
He stated, "I believe you should play domestic cricket; the more you play that, the fitter you’ll be. Who got the Man of the Match in the final? Rohit Sharma. So you should only talk about things that you know. If you want to talk about his game and fitness, do that only if you have played at some level. Do you feel ashamed for talking like this?"
For now, Rohit’s future in ODIs remains uncertain. Reports suggest that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may step away from the 50-over format after the upcoming Australia series.
This potential move could be linked to the BCCI’s new policy, which requires senior players to also take part in domestic white-ball tournaments, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy in their case.
