Rohit Sharma’s ‘bold’ captaincy has a new fan: He has been a great leader, says Brendon McCullum

Former New Zealand captain and head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that he is a big fan of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, saying he is a big fan of the way the India skipper takes risks and takes the game on. McCullum heaped praise on Rohit, especially after the World Cup 2023 campaign in which Rohit flaunted his leadership skills in the ODI format of the game.

Brendon McCullum, who was also known for his daring captaincy, will be in charge of the England Test side that will tour India for an all-important 5-match series in January-March 2024.

Rohit Sharma had established himself as a fine T20 captain, turning Mumbai Indians into series winners in the IPL. Taking over the side in 2013, Rohit led MI to 5 titles. Rohit learnt from his mistakes in his nascent stint as India’s captain after the T20 World Cup semi-final exit in 2022. Leading from the front, Rohit ensured that the team played without the fear of failure and it was evident in the way he took on opposition bowling attacks in the World Cup.

Questions were asked whether Rohit would be able to continue his aggressive intent in the knockout games but Rohit walked the talk going after the New Zealand and Australia bowlers in the semi-final and the final. India may have lost the final to Australia in a one-sided battle, but Rohit stood out with his captaincy. He was named the captain of the ICC Team of the Tournament even after Pat Cummins lifted the trophy.

“Yeah. I like his captaincy (Rohit Sharma’s captaincy). I think his captaincy is bold. He takes risks and he takes the game on. And when you add the talent base of India to these kinds of tactics, then he can achieve very good things. He has been a great leader for not just India but for Mumbai Indians over the years as well,” Brendon McCullum told ANI news agency.

INDIA CHALLENGE IN 2024

Meanwhile, McCullum acknowledged the enormity of playing India in India in Test cricket, but said he, as head coach of the England side, is looking forward to the challenge.

England have transformed the way they play Test cricket after McCullum and Ben Stokes took over in 2022. With 13 wins in 18 Tests under the dynamic duo, England will be looking to do a repeat of 2012 — when an Alastair Cook-led side stunned India and won a Test series against MS Dhoni’s men in India.

“It is going to be a tour which will be very tough, but a tour that we are really looking forward to. The opportunity to take on the best team in their own conditions in the world and see where we are at as a side,” he added.

India and England will meet in the 5-Test series, starting January 25.