Rohit Sharma, the captain of Team India, acknowledged that he aspires to surpass Chris Gayle record for the most sixes hit in international cricket.
Currently, Chris Gayle (553 sixes) is ahead of Rohit (539), by a margin of 14. In the upcoming weeks, the Indian captain may surpass Gayle’s record.
In an open interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, Rohit said: “I want to top Chris Gayle’s record of six strikes. Never in a million years did I think I’d beat Chris Gayle’s record. It’s funny (flex muscles).”
The “hitman” player Rohit Sharma recalls how the coaches forbade him from making soaring shots when he was a youngster.
“I am not a muscle guy but I like to hit the bowl hard. When I started playing cricket, I was told that timing is important. Aerial shots were a big no,” he said.
“We were told that you can play aerial shots. Basic was to keep your head intact, keep the bat close to your body and play the bowl along the carpet. If we used to play aerial shots, coach used to throw us out from the game,” he added.
Rohit Sharma on Rahul Dravid
Rohit also discussed his friendship with Rahul Dravid, the head coach.
“Rahul Dravid is someone who I greatly respect. For who he is first, then as a cricketer. Because being a nice person comes before being a doctor, a cricket player, or a football player. He is a sincere person.”
“I didn’t have a lot of opportunities to play with him, but in the last two years, I have had the chance to work with him. He disliked having a communication breakdown with any player or member of the support crew. His one simple guideline is to talk to everyone.”
“Our connection is open. The time I spent with Rahul bhai was enjoyable. He is teaching everyone about cricket, ” Rohit claimed.
The Indian skipper also offered one piece of advice for Rishabh Pant, who is still healing from his injury: maintain playing the fearless style of cricket.
“I want him to keep playing like this, please. He’s given his plan support. Although he is not obstinate, taking risks is his thing. He frequently states, ‘I play depending on the situation.’ He didn’t just go and start working; instead, he carefully assessed the issue,” stated Rohit.
