Anil Chaudhary, a veteran Indian cricket umpire, has expressed his admiration for Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s exceptional batting abilities. In an interview, Chaudhary highlighted Rohit’s impressive cricketing IQ and natural talent, while cautioning opponents against underestimating the star batsman’s carefree demeanor.
Rohit Sharma: A Master of Batting IQ
Chaudhary praised Rohit’s ability to read the game and anticipate deliveries, even when he appears casual. “You might think that Rohit (Sharma) is casual,” Chaudhary said. “But he is a smart player. Don’t get into the belief that he is a forgetful guy. His cricketing IQ is very good.” This intellectual understanding of the game allows Rohit to make bowlers look ordinary, making their deliveries appear slower than they actually are.
The Art of Anticipating the Ball
Chaudhary explained how Rohit’s batting style makes him a joy to watch. He highlighted Rohit’s natural talent, emphasizing that he doesn’t just go after the ball, instead choosing to wait and hit it powerfully. He possesses an incredible “ball-sense,” which allows him to discern which deliveries he should move forward to and which ones he should step back from.
A One-Man Army When in Flow
The umpire recalled witnessing Rohit’s historic 264-run innings against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, a match in which he was the TV umpire. This memorable performance included smashing even yorkers for sixes, solidifying Rohit’s ability to dominate bowlers.
“Even the deliveries that were yorkers he was hitting them for sixes,” said Chaudhary. “He is a different class of player… The day he is in his flow, he is a one-man army.”
An Easy Player for Umpires
Chaudhary acknowledged the ease of umpiring Rohit’s matches, citing his ability to play with clear intent and minimize challenging decisions. He described Rohit’s batting as “straightforward,” always leaving a clear distinction between an out or not out verdict. This clarity stems from his determined approach and commitment to playing the ball with conviction.
The Captaincy and Batting Double Act
While acknowledging Rohit’s effective leadership skills, Chaudhary highlighted his personal fondness for Rohit’s batting, comparing it to an exquisite piece of music. “His captaincy is also good, not denying that but his batting is like music,” he said. “If you’re watching from outside, you will have to watch him bat, he is that good.”
This praise signifies Rohit’s influence on the sport, exceeding his captaincy role. Chaudhary’s description of his batting as “music” underlines his artistry and captivating style.
Rohit’s Retirement and Upcoming Tests
Following his retirement from T20 internationals, Rohit recently led India to victory in the T20 World Cup, securing their second title. He is now poised to lead India in the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, signaling his continued contribution to the national team’s success.
Take Away Points
- Anil Chaudhary admires Rohit Sharma’s batting talent and considers him a natural, intuitive player.
- Rohit’s batting style, marked by calculated anticipation and aggressive power hitting, is captivating to watch.
- Chaudhary believes that Rohit’s high cricketing IQ makes him a player who is easy to umpire due to his straightforward playing style.
- Despite his “casual” demeanour, Rohit is a skilled tactician, evidenced by his success as a captain.
- While enjoying a decorated T20 career, Rohit remains a crucial figure in India’s Test team, and his batting brilliance continues to be a highlight for fans and commentators alike.