“If the Captain Leads Fearlessly, the Team Follows”: Gambhir Praises Rohit Sharma’s Aggressive Batting

India’s Skipper Rohit Sharma Creates History as the First Captain to Reach Every ICC Final Since 2022

Dubai [UAE], March 5: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded skipper Rohit Sharma’s fearless approach, stating that his high strike rate sets the tone for the entire team. Following India’s commanding four-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, Gambhir emphasized that Rohit’s aggressive mindset sends a “good signal” to the dressing room.

Rohit also scripted history by becoming the first captain ever to reach the finals of every ICC tournament since 2022, further cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s most accomplished leaders. With India advancing to their fifth Champions Trophy final, they now hold the record for the most final appearances in the tournament’s history.

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“We Evaluate Impact, Not Just Runs” – Gambhir

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir dismissed traditional stats-based evaluations and highlighted Rohit’s attacking intent as a game-changer.

“If your captain bats with such a tempo, it gives a very good signal to the dressing room that we want to be absolutely fearless and courageous. You evaluate from the runs; we evaluate from the impact. That’s the difference. As journalists, as experts, you only look at numbers, averages. But as a coach, as a team, we do not look at numbers or averages.”

Rohit has played the role of powerplay aggressor brilliantly throughout the tournament. His fearless approach has allowed other batters to settle in and anchor the innings. In four matches, he has scored 104 runs at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 107.21, with his highest score being 41. Against Australia, he blasted 28 off 29 balls, hitting three fours and a six, setting the foundation for India’s successful chase.

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India Storms Into the Final with a Clinical Chase

Australia’s Innings:

Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. They got off to a solid start but were consistently pegged back by timely breakthroughs from India.

• Travis Head (39 off 33, 4 fours, 2 sixes) stitched a 50-run stand with Steve Smith (50 off 64, 5 fours).
• Marnus Labuschagne (29 off 36) and Alex Carey (61 off 57, 8 fours, 1 six) tried to rebuild.
• Carey’s direct-hit run-out by Shreyas Iyer in the 48th over halted Australia’s momentum.

India’s bowlers ensured Australia was restricted to 264 in 49.3 overs, with Mohammed Shami (3/48), Varun Chakravarthy (2/49), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) leading the charge. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya also picked up a wicket each.

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India’s Chase:

Chasing 265, India faced early setbacks as they were reduced to 43/2, with Rohit Sharma (28 off 29) and Shubman Gill (8) departing early. However, a composed effort from the middle order sealed the victory.

• Virat Kohli (84 off 98, 5 fours) anchored the innings with a 91-run partnership alongside Shreyas Iyer (45 off 62, 3 fours).
• Axar Patel (27 off 30, 1 four, 1 six) and KL Rahul (42 off 34, 2 fours, 2 sixes)* provided crucial contributions.
• Hardik Pandya’s late blitz (28 off 24, 1 four, 3 sixes) ensured India crossed the line comfortably, finishing at 267/6 in 48.1 overs.

For Australia, Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the pick of the bowlers.

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Rohit Sharma: A Captain for the Ages

Rohit Sharma has now led India to every ICC final since taking over full-time captaincy in 2022:

✅ ICC T20 World Cup 2024 – Champions 🏆
✅ ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Finalists
✅ ICC World Test Championship 2023 – Finalists
✅ ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Finalists

With his aggressive yet composed leadership, India will now aim to lift the Champions Trophy on March 7, adding yet another feather to Rohit’s already illustrious cap.

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Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, India vs Australia, Champions Trophy 2025, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Team India, ICC Cricket, Cricket News, Dubai Cricket