Chris Gayle Endorses Rohit Sharma as a Top Player: Anticipates Stellar Performance in CT 2025

Synopsis

Chris Gayle has shown his confidence in Rohit Sharma as he prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite recent struggles, Sharma's return to form with a century marks him as a key player for India. The tournament is set to take place later this month in Pakistan and Dubai.

Key Takeaways

Chris Gayle praises Rohit Sharma's abilities.
Rohit scored a match-winning century recently.
He overcame challenges from previous series.
Rohit aims to regain his top form for the Champions Trophy.
The tournament begins on February 20 in Dubai.

New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The legendary cricketer from the West Indies, Chris Gayle, has expressed confidence in world-class batsman and Indian captain Rohit Sharma, predicting he will make significant contributions in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for later this month in Pakistan and Dubai.

Rohit faced challenges during the Test series against New Zealand at home and Australia away, and struggled in the ODI series opener against England in Nagpur. Nonetheless, he rebounded impressively, delivering a stellar performance with a match-winning 119 runs in India's four-wicket victory in Cuttack on Sunday.

In his 32nd ODI century, Rohit launched seven sixes, overtaking Gayle to become the second-highest six-hitter in ODI history with a total of 338 maximums.

“Rohit (Sharma) is a world-class player. He has multiple double-centuries in ODI cricket. He is a Hitman and now holds the record for the most sixes in ODI cricket. He recently scored a century. I understand he faced difficulties in the Test series, but great players always move on and focus on the future,” Gayle told IANS during an event in the national capital region on Tuesday.

Following the second ODI at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Rohit acknowledged his role in the team and expressed confidence in his ability to regain form.

“When players have been in the game for many years and accumulated substantial runs, it signifies something important,” Rohit remarked in a BCCI video.

“I have been playing this game for quite some time, and I comprehend what is expected of me. It's simply about stepping out there and executing my skills, and what I did today was a part of that. In my mind, it was about performing in my style. I have enough experience to know that one or two good performances will not sway my perspective. It was just another day at work.

“Our role is to go out and play the game. Knowing that when you go to bed, you’ve given your best, is what truly matters. Every time I step onto the field, I aim to excel,” he added.

After the third ODI concludes in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, India will turn its attention to the Champions Trophy, where they are set to face Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.