NEW DELHI: Former India batter and NCA head VVS Laxman commended Rohit Sharma on Friday for his leadership skills and for taking responsibility for the incorrect decision made at the toss in the first Test against New Zealand.
Despite India’s disastrous performance in the first innings, where they were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in just 32 overs, marking their third-lowest total in 593 Tests and their lowest-ever score in 293 home matches, Laxman praised Rohit’s ability to lead by example, stating, he does a “phenomenal job” in leading by example.
Rohit addressed the media after the end of play on Thursday, acknowledging his error in assessing the M Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch. He also noted that not all decisions made by leadership can always be correct, demonstrating his willingness to take accountability for the team’s performance.
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“For leaders, it’s humanly impossible not to make mistakes. We won the toss and we elected to bat first and it was counterproductive (because) we were bowled out for 46,” Laxman told a gathering at the Security Now 2024 conference by Seclore in Mumbai.
“Who went to the press conference? It was Rohit Sharma. He accepted that ‘yes, I misread the wicket’. Leaders take that ownership of (their) decisions.”
“It’s not necessary that every time the decisions are right, but you take the ownership and then whenever the team doesn’t do well, you go and face the flak. Whenever the team does well, you promote the guy who actually requires that recognition and that limelight,” he added.
Laxman emphasized the significance of preparation and having a clear plan for achieving success. He also highlighted that exceptional leaders are the top performers within their teams. According to Laxman, Rohit has done a “phenomenal job” with this Indian team.
“Great leaders are the best performers in a particular team, (a) classical example is Rohit Sharma. What he has done, the way he’s leading the Indian team, is just phenomenal,” Laxman said.
“He (has) told (his teammates) that, ‘okay, this is the style of cricket I want our team to play’, and he’s going out and doing that, (the) selfless style of batting and playing the game.”
“In the bargain, that can (also) impact and affect his performance. But he’s making that decision and that bold statement saying ‘I’ll back you as long as you go out and play the brand I want our Indian team to play’,” he said.
Laxman expressed his belief that India has the ability to reverse the current situation against New Zealand in the Test match that is currently underway. Despite being 125 runs behind at stumps, with only three wickets lost in their second innings, he remained optimistic about the team’s chances.
“I know Sarfaraz (Khan) is batting well and I think Virat (Kohli) is there,” Laxman said shortly before Kohli was eventually dismissed.
“We believe; when I say we, you know, whether it’s me or former players or Gautam (Gambhir) as the head coach, or Rohit as a captain, everyone who’s playing for the country is capable of creating magic.”
“I can tell with a lot of conviction that everyone (batters) will go out with only one thought, one frame of mind, which is (that) ‘can I contribute to the country, can I go out and just give 100-150 runs for my bowlers’.
“And if my (India) bowlers get 150 runs, take it from me that we can win this Test match,” Laxman said.
The former batter is counting on the Indian spinners to work their magic in the fourth innings.
“The ball is turning and gripping and we (have) got three wonderful, world class spinners. Whoever is going out to bat, they will go with that mindset,” he added.
Laxman emphasized that relying on one’s strengths in high-pressure situations is crucial, as demonstrated by Sarfaraz Khan during his unbeaten 70 off 78 balls.
“Sarfaraz, just before coming here, I saw (him hit) a beautiful six over point. When you’re in a pressure situation, when you are facing an impossible task, can you trust your strengths?” he said.
“Sarfaraz, Yashasvi (Jaiswal) and Rohit played their natural game. Now the end result (is something that) no one can predict, but can the approach and can the frame of mind and mindset be predicted, yes.
“Because that’s in your control and I can tell that everyone will go out with that kind of positive mindset,” he said.
