Rohit Sharma possesses a great captaincy record in the limited-overs format. He had previously captained the country in 10 ODIs and 19 T20Is. Sharma’s white-ball captaincy credentials are stellar. Apart from leading Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL titles, Sharma has also led the Indian team to victories in Asia Cup and Nidhahas Trophy. He was the stand-in limited-overs captain in Virat Kohli’s absence. Few players made their ODI debut under him.
We look at 4 such players who made their ODI debut under his captaincy:
#4 Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed had a nice little run in international cricket before he was sidelined. He made his debut in Asia Cup in 2018. Rohit Sharma was India’s captain in that series. Ahmed made a distinct impression in that series. He was part of India’s first-choice XI for that season. His wicket-taking ability stood out. Ahmed made his debut in the game against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup.
#3 Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill made a lot of waves right since he featured in the U-19 World Cup in 2018. He in fact went on to win the player of the tournament award. It felt that it was just about time he made his international debut. Gill finally got his India cap against New Zealand in the ODI series in 2019. Rohit Sharma was leading the side in the game where Gill debut. Gill had a forgettable debut though scoring just 9 in that knock.
#2 Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar came up the IPL ranks. He has only once conceded more than 50 runs in 90 odd T20 games. His profligacy in bowling helped him get the ODI cap too. He made his debut in a home series against Sri Lanka in 2017. Rohit Sharma was leading the Indian side that series. Sundar’s debut game remains the only ODI he has played so far.
#1 Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer too much like Washington Sundar made his debut under Sharma’s captaincy in 2017. Iyer is now one of India’s premier white ball players. He scored a handy 88 during Sharma’s epic 208 knock. Iyer since then has capitalised on whatever chances he has received. He will be expected to play a vital role in Sharma’s long-term captaincy plans.
