Swapneel Deshpande 
In a cricketing spectacle that has left fans on the edge of their seats, Rohit Sharma‘s blazing form in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has become the talk of the town. The veteran Indian opener achieved the rare feat of scoring 500 runs in successive World Cups, underlining his prowess on the grandest stage of the game.
What sets Rohit’s performance apart is the contrasting approaches he employed in the 2019 and 2023 editions. In the 2019 World Cup in England, the Mumbaikar needed 527 balls to reach the 500-run mark, while in the ongoing tournament on home soil, he accomplished the same feat in just 406 deliveries. Notably, none of the other 18 instances have witnessed a faster strike rate of 123.15 than Rohit’s in the current edition.
Suresh Raina said
Suresh Raina commended Rohit Sharma, highlighting his excellent performance in setting a strong platform for the team. Raina emphasized that Rohit’s ability to score 90 runs in the first 10 overs.
Suresh Raina said “Rohit Sharma has been excellent – he is setting the platform for others – if you put 90 runs on board in 10 overs then it becomes easier for the middle order”.
Rohit’s evolution as a player has been particularly evident since taking charge of the Indian team in late 2021. Emphasizing ‘role clarity,’ the 36-year-old has led by example with a selfless approach at the top of the order. His aggressive strategy in 2023 fills the void of a Virender Sehwag-like opener that has been absent in the Indian lineup for the past decade.
The impact of Rohit’s aggressive intent is most palpable in the powerplays. Among openers who have faced 100 deliveries in the first PowerPlay, Rohit’s strike rate of 129.53 stands head and shoulders above the competition. What’s impressive is that his attacking approach has not come at the cost of early dismissals, showcasing the effectiveness of his method.
In 2019, faced with swinging conditions, Rohit adopted a more patient approach, biding his time before taking on the aggressor role. The result was a productive year with 648 runs and five centuries but at a strike rate of 89.92, his lowest since 2014. Fast forward to 2023, and Rohit’s strike rate of 114.72 since 2013, when he was promoted to the opening slot, has surged to 123.15 this year – his fastest in 11 seasons.
While his new approach may not be conducive to scoring big hundreds and double centuries, Rohit’s effectiveness within the team’s set-up is unquestionable. His combined tally of 183 boundaries (123 fours and 60 sixes) in 2023 is the most he has accumulated in a calendar year, showcasing his ability to consistently find the ropes.
A standout example of Rohit’s aggressive style was his rapid 24-ball 40 against South Africa. While headlines were dominated by Virat Kohli‘s record 49th ODI hundred, Rohit’s quickfire innings propelled India to a PowerPlay score of 91/1, setting the stage for a comprehensive victory
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