NEW DELHI: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has hailed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for delivering match-winning performances in the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup finals respectively, despite their underwhelming form earlier in the tournament. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik praised the veteran duo for their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
“They just know what it takes to do well in big matches. In the lead-up to a game, there are so many thoughts going on. But the way they channelise those thoughts and use that energy on the field is what makes them special. Come the big game, these guys stand up,” Karthik remarked.
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When asked about rumours surrounding Rohit’s retirement, Karthik playfully dismissed the speculation. “It pretty much sums up Rohit Sharma as a person (on India captain’s blunt remark that ‘he is not retiring’ during the post match press conference at Champions Trophy). Very humorous about it but at the same time sending the message across: ‘Don’t be in a hurry to ask for my retirement. I’ll do it when I feel so’,” he said.
Karthik also praised Rohit’s legacy as a captain, putting him alongside Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni. “Rohit Sharma is one of the greatest, no doubt. He’s leaving a serious legacy. Each of them marked a generational change and a mindset shift,” he stated.
Commenting on the future of young talents, Karthik expressed confidence in Yashasvi Jaiswal’s role as an opener and lauded Varun Chakaravarthy’s accuracy in white-ball cricket. “Jaiswal is a bonafide opener. When he gets his turn, he’s going to do phenomenally well. As for Varun, his accuracy is his biggest strength, and that will always help him succeed in white-ball cricket,” he added.
Karthik concluded by naming Shreyas Iyer as India’s player of the tournament at the Champions Trophy for his consistency under pressure, adding to the joy of India’s back-to-back ICC titles.
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