New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan praised Rohit Sharma after the ex-Indian captain showcased his skills with a brilliant 57 off 51 balls during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. Rohit’s innings, characterized by confidence and precise ball striking, also allowed him to surpass Shahid Afridi as the player with the most sixes in ODI history, raising his total to 352.

Entering the series on the heels of a half-century and a century against Australia last month, Rohit maintained this form in Ranchi, providing India with a robust start after they chose to bat first. This record-setting performance is yet another testament to a career marked by exceptional timing, composure, and the ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches.

Wassan commended Rohit’s innate talent, asserting that his batting skills are unparalleled. He remarked that Rohit’s ability is a divine gift, something that cannot be taught by any coach. Expounding on Rohit’s six-hitting record, Wassan emphasized the significance of this accomplishment and its contribution to the Indian team.

“Rohit has set a new standard with his six-hitting record. Some may argue that this record is due to the frequency of sixes he hits today. However, when considering the context, as an opener, what was Afridi? A mere slogger. That was his unique selling proposition. He would hit 2-3 sixes even while scoring around 30 runs. But Rohit achieved the record in 100 fewer innings,” Wassan said in an exclusive interview with IANS.

“When your opener possesses the ability to hit massive shots, think of the impact on your team’s strike rate. In challenging moments, he can deliver big hits. This extraordinary talent, which no one else possesses, is exemplified by Rohit’s effortless elegance and timing, allowing him to clear the boundary. This six-hitting record transcends mere statistics; this skill has led to numerous victories for the team. It illustrates his crucial role in delivering under pressure, playing pivotal innings, and providing the team with a significant advantage,” he added.

Wassan further noted that Rohit continues to assert himself as a match-winner, even without relying on regular centuries, and emphasized that players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are motivated not by personal achievements but by their impact on the team. He remarked that both Kohli and Rohit are the game's geniuses who reach such milestones almost instinctively while focusing on the team's success.

“He’s reaffirming his status as a match-winner. He was always one, but he’s proving it once more. While he may not be scoring centuries as frequently as before, if you analyze his performance since 2022, he ranks among the top. He has set exceptionally high standards for himself. There is an excessive fixation in cricket on reaching three-figure scores. Players are often judged based on their ability to score hundreds. Yet, many players who score 70-80 runs can be far more valuable if those runs contribute to a team victory, making them more impactful than a solitary hundred. However, centuries are glamorous, leading to misleading perceptions in cricket,” he added.

The former cricketer compared Rohit’s instincts to those of some of the sport’s all-time greats.

“This is a divine gift. Like a homing pigeon, it instinctively knows its way back. Some athletes possess this natural flair. Consider legends like Tendulkar, Gavaskar, Kallis, or Virat; reaching a hundred is a milestone they don’t have to consciously think about. They understand what to do once they reach 30-40 runs. It’s not about playing selfishly for a hundred. These geniuses subconsciously navigate toward a century while remaining aware of the team’s needs and adjusting their game accordingly. Coaches cannot impart this; it’s a divine gift. Yet, it remains essential to work on aspects like ball selection, shot selection, and fitness to achieve these feats,” concluded Wassan.