Rohit Sharma on Saturday said Adam Gilchrist and M.S. Dhoni have striking similarities as captains and credited the Australian for changing the fortunes of his team Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League.
After finishing at the bottom of the table in the inaugural edition in 2008, the Chargers under Gilchrist went on to win the title in the second edition in South Africa, last year. “I would say, Gilly is like MSD. He is cool, calm and composed. He never panics. Same is with Dhoni. So they are similar. Gilly is a good leader. He has brought the team together. He led us to victory in South Africa and this year too we will do well,” he said.
Rohit said the Chargers are confident of defending the title although he felt there will be some pressure on the side. “This is going to be tough season but we are the most dangerous team and will be the favourites. We have got Kemar Roach and he is a good find. Mitchell Marsh is also there and we have seen him playing in the Under-19 World Cup. Pressure would be there as there will be expectations. Gilly has told us to enjoy the game,” Rohit said on the sidelines of an event.
The IPL-3 kickstarts on March 12 with Deccan Chargers taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai. Rohit said he was disappointed that Chargers would not enjoy the home advantage since Hyderabad has been scrapped as a venue due to security apprehensions in the wake of the Telangana agitation. “Yes it is disappointing to not play on home ground. People in Hyderabad have always backed us whether we have done well or not. We will miss Hyderabad,” he said.
Rohit recently hit his maiden triple hundred in first class cricket when he made an unbeaten 309 against Gujarat in a Ranji Trophy match. The Mumbai player said it was Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who inspired him to go for a big score. “I still remember, we were at a party at Ambani’s house to celebrate Sachin Tendulkar’s 20 years in international cricket. There, Sehwag told me ‘you should not get 100 or 200, go on and make triple hundred’. After that conversation, I got this 300-run innings in the first match I played. So I dedicate it to Sehwag,” Rohit said.
Rohit’s talent has been hailed by experts but he has not been able to cement his place in the one-day side.
On being asked about it, Rohit said, “I am in good form. It has happened with big players before also. Important is how fast I come out of it. For me, cricket is everything, be it in any format.”