NEW DELHI: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik on Saturday praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership, impact, and influence on the Indian cricket team during his tenure as ODI captain.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Rohit Sharma. Thank you so much. You were a phenomenal captain — tactically astute, but most importantly, very, very friendly and got along with everyone, making them feel so comfortable. But for me, the legacy that you’ve left as a captain… in those big moments, those big matches, you taught this current team what it takes to win,” Karthik said in a video he shared on Instagram.

Karthik highlighted Rohit’s approach to leading from the front, particularly during high-pressure games. “At times we used to take a backward step, but you said, ‘I think we need to press forward, put more pressure on the opponent, take more risks,’ and you didn’t leave it to anyone else. I think you started it with the bat—when in the big matches, you said, ‘I’m going to go harder,’ and that required skill. You got it done, and you did it consistently.”

Under Rohit’s leadership, India won 42 of 56 ODIs, maintaining a winning percentage of 76. His tenure saw India lift two ICC trophies in 2024 — the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy — and finish runner-up in the ODI World Cup at home in 2023. Karthik also emphasised Rohit’s contribution to nurturing young talent and building a resilient side. “Asia Cup unbeaten with a young team… You’ve left it in a better place than what it was when you started, and that’s always a great sign of a leader.”The Indian selectors on Saturday removed Rohit from ODI captaincy and handed over the reins to young Test skipper Shubman Gill ahead of the white-ball tour of Australia, keeping the 2027 World Cup in focus. Shreyas Iyer will serve as Gill’s deputy for the three-match ODI series starting October 19 in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne, followed by a five-match T20 series.