‘Friend, Philosopher And Guide For Many’: Ex-IND Coach Hails Captain Rohit Sharma’s Ability To Nurture Young Talent

Last Updated:March 01, 2025, 23:12 IST

The former India coach, Lalchand Rajput hailed Rohit Sharma’s leadership qualities and how he is able to develop youngsters under his captaincy over the years.

India led by Rohit Sharma have secured their spot in the elimination stages of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics)

The former India coach, Lalchand Rajput, feels that the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, has been by far the best skipper when it comes to handling youngsters within the side. Under Rohit’s tenure, players like Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and others have established themselves as top-tier talents in the side in different formats.

Rajput feels that Rohit, as a captain, is someone who keeps the dressing room in a jovial mood and does not add any further pressure on his players, and that paid dividends as India went on to lift their second T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados last year.

“As a captain, he is the best so far with young players. He keeps the dressing room very, very happy. Because he allows the batsmen to perform well and doesn’t put any pressure, and he is a jolly mood fellow. He keeps the mood very light, and that is what you saw in West Indies when India won the T20 World Cup,” Rajput was quoted as saying at the launch of a book – Life Lessons from Cricket.

In addition, the former Indian cricketer also feels that he is more than just a captain for the players and remains confident in his leadership in India’s ongoing campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit and Co have sealed a spot in the semi-final stages after winning both their games in the group stages against Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively.

“Apart from the captain, he is also a friend, philosopher, and guide for many players. So, I think this CT will be another feather in his cap. And the way India has played so far, I do believe that there is another global trophy India can win,” he added.

Rohit will look to end the group stages on a positive note with a win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. The winner of the two sides will top the group and go into the elimination stages with an unbeaten record. The captain will also look to get a big score from his willow to ensure that he goes into the remaining games with no concern whatsoever.