WATCH: Former Pakistan Player lauds selfless approach from Rohit Sharma in ODI World Cup 2023

The former captain of Pakistan, Wasim Akram has showered extensive praise on Rohit Sharma for his outstanding batting and leadership during the semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday. The India team, led by Rohit, secured a victory over the Kiwis by 70 runs, earning a place in the grand finale of the prestigious event. With this achievement, Rohit joined the ranks of Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, and MS Dhoni as only the fourth Indian captain to guide his team into the final of an ODI World Cup.

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India set an imposing total of 397 for 4 in 50 overs, propelled by Kohli's record-breaking 50th ODI century, alongside impressive performances from Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill. Captain Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role with a brisk 29-ball 47, setting the stage for India's outstanding batting display. In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami's stellar performance saw him take 7 wickets for 57 runs, effectively dismissing New Zealand for 327.

The legendary bowler commended Rohit for his selfless leadership and his ability to consistently provide explosive starts to the Indian innings throughout the ongoing tournament. Speaking on the sports show 'The Pavilion,' the legendary pace bowler stated that Rohit's name might not be frequently mentioned because he hasn't scored too many hundreds.

“It was a complete performance in every aspect of the game and the skipper leading from the front. Uska naam zayad nahi aata kyunki 100 nahi kiya usne ya 150-200 nahi kiye (People don’t talk much about Rohit because he hasn’t got many hundreds) but the kind of start he provides is what we have been speaking about. He batted a strike rate of 162 and piled up 82 in 10 overs, that was the stepping stone,” Akram said.

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Watch the video;

“Captain Rohit leading from the front, uska naam zyada nahi aata kyunki 100 nahi kiya usne”

~ Wasim Akram pic.twitter.com/kuTx5rXWVW

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) November 16, 2023

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New Zealand bowling attack seemed pedestrian: Wasim Akram

The former Pakistan skipper went on to praise the India team's batting performance, expressing his belief that this lineup can deliver exceptional performances regardless of the playing conditions. Akram also said that Despite discussions about pitch changes, the way they are playing suggests that even if you make them bat in a wrestling arena in the countryside, they would score the same number of runs. They possess that level of confidence, and their leader is setting an example by leading from the front.

“The New Zealand bowling attack seemed pedestrian but credit has to be given to India’s quality batting. People spoke about the pitch change and all, but the way they are playing, agar tum unhein akhaade par bhi khila doge to wo utna hi score karenge (even if you make them bat in some wrestling arena in the countryside, they will score the same amount of runs). They have that kind of confidence and a leader who is leading from the front,” he said.