Rohit Sharma, in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, led India to its seventh Asia Cup title on Friday night, defeating Bangladesh in a last-ball thriller in a low-scoring final.
Rohit Sharma has impressed everyone with calm captaincy during the tournament. Rohit's captaincy is like a breath of fresh air for Team India which now has a second line of leadership in the limited overs format.
Coach Ravi Shastri also praised Rohit's calm demeanour during their victorious Asia Cup campaign.
Rohit's trait of remaining calm under pressure has reminded many of his illustrious predecessor MS Dhoni. Rohit also emulated Dhoni in his gesture on Friday night during trophy presentation and celebrations.
Skipper Rohit handed youngster Khaleel Ahmed the opportunity to hold the trophy in the middle, something that has become a trend in Indian cricket since MS Dhoni's reign.
The act of making the newest member of the team (be it in terms of experience or age) hold the tournament trophy was famously been seen during the days of MS Dhoni as the captain of Indian cricket team.
Virat Kohli was also seen doing the same when he had handed the trophy to youngster Mohammad Siraj after India defeated New Zealand in a T20I series last year.
Rohit Sharma seems to be continuing the tradition.
Rohit Sharma has himself admitted that he is proud to have imbibed the ability to remain calm from MS Dhoni.
"Whatever I have seen of him (Dhoni) leading the side for all these years, he never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too," Rohit said.
The stylish Mumbaikar spoke about qualities in Dhoni that he has tried to inculcate.
"I also try to first think and then react. Yes, 50-over cricket gives you time but still you need to take time as well. I have learnt this from seeing him, we have played for so many years under his captaincy. Whenever there is something, he is ready with advice."
Dhoni didn't exactly set the Asia Cup on fire with his batting but his smart glovework and strategic interventions were for everyone to see.
"We always keep on learning from Dhoni bhai because he has been such a great captain. Whenever there were questions or doubts on the field, he was always there to answer," Rohit signed off.
(With PTI Inputs)
