World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach makes opposition panic, says Aaron Finch ahead of NZ clash

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch heaped praise on India skipper Rohit Sharma, saying his aggressive approach makes the opposition panic even before the game starts. Rohit scored a half-century as India beat the Netherlands by 160 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in the final match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup group-stage.

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Speaking to Star Sports, Finch said the pressure that Rohit puts on the opposition team during the powerplay has been crucial for India. Rohit scored his 55^th ODI half-century as India posted 410 for 4 against the Netherlands in Bengaluru.

“The thought process behind Rohit is he’s trying to get the team off to a quick start. You see, the wicket tends to get slower as the tournament has gone on. So, that initial powerplay to put pressure on the opposition is really crucial,” said Finch.

He went on to say that Rohit’s approach makes the opposition panic even before the game has started. Rohit has scored 503 runs in nine matches and has become the only player to score over 500 runs in successive ODI World Cups.

“I think what that’s done is it’s changed the bowler’s mindset before the game has even started, knowing that Rohit’s going to come really hard at them. They start panicking a bit and maybe go into a defensive mode early on, and that plays into his hands as India has gotten off to some brilliant starts,” Finch added.

On Diwali, India batters provided the fireworks at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as they posted 410, riding on hundreds from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. It was an all-round effort from the bowlers as the Netherlands were bowled out for 250.

Rohit and Virat Kohli also chipped in to pick up a wicket each as India had a perfect outing before the big semi-finals.