The Underestimated Genius: Unraveling Rohit Sharma’s Cricketing IQ

Anil Chaudhary, a veteran Indian Cricket umpire, recently shared his insights on the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, highlighting a side of the player often overlooked. While widely admired for his aggressive batting style and effortless strokeplay, Chaudhary emphasizes the underrated “cricketing IQ” that fuels Rohit’s success.

Beyond the Casual Exterior: The Depth of Rohit’s Cricket Mind

Chaudhary challenges the common perception of Rohit as a carefree and nonchalant batsman, revealing a sharp tactical mind beneath the surface. “You might think that Rohit (Sharma) is casual. But he is a smart player. Don’t get into the belief that he is a forgetful guy,” Chaudhary asserts. His observations are rooted in Rohit’s remarkable ability to read the game and anticipate bowlers’ plans.

The “Cricketing IQ” Advantage

This strategic understanding, often termed “cricketing IQ,” goes beyond the basic fundamentals of the game. It encompasses an instinctive grasp of game situations, reading opponent’s intentions, and executing calculated shots. Chaudhary illustrates this point by emphasizing how Rohit makes bowlers look ordinary even when they deliver at high speeds. “He makes bowlers look like they are bowling 120 kph, but when someone else is facing the same bowler it might look like it is 160 kph,” he explains. This observation reveals the profound impact Rohit’s acute understanding has on the dynamics of a game.

Easy to Umpire, Tough to Beat: Rohit’s Clarity and Intent

Chaudhary goes a step further, suggesting that umpiring a player like Rohit is a breeze. The reason? His clean and assertive style results in clear decisions. “He is either out or not out clearly,” Chaudhary observes. This speaks volumes about Rohit’s consistent game strategy and ability to clearly distinguish between his own and the opponent’s lines.

“Ball Sense” and the Art of Shot Selection

Adding to the understanding of Rohit’s game, Chaudhary highlights his “ball-sense,” describing it as an innate ability to read the ball’s trajectory and anticipate its path. He explains, “He knows which delivery to go forward and which to go back at.” This ability to judge the ball’s direction in the split second of its delivery allows Rohit to execute shots with impressive accuracy and power.

Witnessing the Master: Anil’s Memories of Rohit’s Historic 264

Anil Chaudhary’s experience as an umpire provides a unique perspective on Rohit’s prowess. His memory of witnessing Rohit’s iconic 264 runs against Sri Lanka in Kolkata in 2014 vividly encapsulates the impact of his exceptional talent.

The “One-Man Army”: The Flow State of a Genius

Chaudhary vividly describes Rohit’s extraordinary performance, highlighting how even yorkers became opportunities for towering sixes. He concludes by labeling Rohit a “one-man army” when he’s in his zone, emphasizing the single-handedly dominant force he can become on the field.

The Complete Cricketer: From Batting Maestro to Captain

Anil Chaudhary emphasizes Rohit’s batting brilliance as a captivating performance, comparing it to a symphony of power and finesse. However, he also acknowledges his successful captaincy, underscoring his leadership skills and impact on the team’s triumphs. He concludes by acknowledging Rohit’s contribution to India’s recent T20 World Cup victory.

Take Away Points:

• Rohit Sharma’s success stems not just from his aggressive batting style but also from a keen “cricketing IQ,” allowing him to outsmart opponents.
• His “ball-sense” allows him to anticipate the ball’s path and execute accurate shots.
• The clarity of his intent on the field makes him easy for umpires to judge.
• While his batting is a symphony of power, his captaincy achievements have been crucial to India’s success.