Amid coronavirus pandemic followed by worldwide lockdown, many former cricketers are trying different things to engage with their fans. Some are naming their best XI featuring cricketers from all around the world while some are coming up with their favourite batsmen/bowlers. The latest name on this bandwagon is former South African all-rounder JP Duminy.
During an Instagram live session with former Zimbabwe pacer Pommie Mbangwa, Duminy picked up his favourite batsman of modern-day cricket. The 36-year-old named India vice-captain Rohit Sharma as his most liked batsman. Duminy said he loves Rohit’s pull shot.
“Rohit Sharma is my favourite batsman, I like his pick-up pull shot,” said Duminy.
Rohit had a terrific World Cup which was held in England and Wales last year. With 648 runs under his belt, Rohit was the highest run-scorer in the global showpiece event. In nine games, the Mumbaikar scored runs at a phenomenal average of 81.00. Rohit also became the first batsman to score five centuries in a single edition of the 50-over World Cup.
Overall, the 33-year-old has played 224 ODIs, 108 T20Is, and 32 Tests so far. He has scored 14,029 runs across all formats. Rohit is the only player in the world to have scored three double centuries in ODI cricket. Not only this, but he also holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs when he smashed 264 runs against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens.
Earlier, Rohit had reminisced about the India versus Australia contest in the inaugural edition of T20 World Cup in South Africa. The Nagpur-born had said he ‘couldn’t believe his eyes’ watching fans’ celebrations. The ‘Hitman’ also revealed how fans play an essential part in the game and help the team to win matches.
“You never realize you’re playing for the Indian cricket team until you witness the support of the fans. I still remember when we won against Australia in the semi-final in 2007, our hotel was full of fans, and they were all celebrating and dancing,” Rohit had said.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes as I hadn’t seen anything like this before. You always see fans in the stadium, but that day at the hotel, seeing all of those supporters, I felt that it is the fans’ passion and love that keeps the team going,” he had added.
