Former Indian opening batter Navjot Singh Sidhu recently expressed high praise for star batter Rohit Sharma, currently representing the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy this season, Rohit has been a standout player for MI, despite the team’s disappointing start with losses against the Gujarat Titans (GT) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). In these matches, Rohit scored 43 and 26 runs, respectively.
Taking to social media platform X, Navjot Singh Sidhu shared his admiration for Rohit, describing him as a valuable asset for MI. He encapsulated Rohit’s excellence with one of his signature poetic expressions. “Even if the elephant is covered in dust, it will still be respected. Even tying the dog with a gold chain does not make one respectable,” Sidhu captioned a video on X.
Rohit Sharma has undeniably been a key figure for the Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise in 2011. In his illustrious IPL career spanning 199 matches for MI, Rohit has amassed 5,084 runs at an average of 29.39 and a strike rate of 129.86. He has registered one century and 34 fifties in 195 innings, with his highest score being an unbeaten 109*.
Assuming the captaincy of MI from Ricky Ponting in 2013, Rohit led the team to remarkable success, clinching the IPL trophy five times in 10 years (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020) and securing playoff berths twice. However, last year, Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy, marking a transition for Rohit, who had been an instrumental leader for the franchise.
Rohit’s contributions extend beyond IPL victories, as he has also guided MI to two Champions League T20 titles in 2011 and 2013, the latter as captain. He holds the distinction of being MI’s highest run-scorer of all time, amassing 5,357 runs in 208 matches and 204 innings, with an average of 29.59 and a strike rate nearing 130. His impressive tally includes one century and 35 half-centuries.
As MI prepares to face the Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming match, Rohit Sharma’s presence and performance remain crucial for the team’s prospects in the tournament. Amidst challenges and changes in leadership, Rohit’s experience and expertise continue to be invaluable assets for MI as they strive for success in the IPL.