Rohit Sharma takes charge mid-match, provides tactical tips while Shubman Gill sets field

Rohit Sharma, despite not being the official ODI captain, actively guided Washington Sundar with tactical advice during a match against Australia. This leadership display, coupled with his patient 73-run innings, highlighted his continued influence on team strategy and decision-making, even without the captain's armband.

Rohit Sharma with his team mates(Getty Images)

Even though Rohit Sharma is no longer India’s official ODI captain, his leadership on the field remains evident. In the second match of the ongoing three-game series against Australia in Adelaide, Rohit could be seen stepping in to guide off-spinner Washington Sundar with animated, tactical advice, while Shubman Gill focused on setting the field. His gestures and instructions clearly highlighted that Rohit’s influence on team strategy and decision-making continues, even without the captain’s armband. The incident took place after the 33rd over, when Rohit noticed Sundar struggling with his bowling plan to left-handed batter Cooper Connolly. Rohit walked up to the bowler and delivered a fiery, hands-on chat, making numerous gestures to indicate the changes Sundar needed to make. Sundar listened silently and followed the guidance, while Gill remained occupied with field placements. Former India pacer Varun Aaron, commenting on the move, noted, “The key for the off-spinner to the left-hander is to move the ball away from the batter, and bowl a little slower. Generally captains come and tell the bowlers what to do.” Click here to watch the video. Earlier in the match, Rohit produced a remarkable comeback. After being dismissed for just eight runs in the rain-shortened series opener in Perth, which had intensified World Cup speculation, the 38-year-old struck a patient 73 in Adelaide. His innings laid the foundation for India’s total of 264 for 9. During the knock, Rohit shared a crucial 118-run partnership for the third wicket with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer , who scored 61 off 77 balls, helping India recover after losing Gill (9) and Virat Kohli (0) quickly. Later in the innings, Axar Patel, promoted to No. 5, contributed 44 off 41 balls, including a 39-run stand with Sundar (12). Tail-enders Harshit Rana (24 not out) and Arshdeep Singh (13) added 37 runs off 29 balls for the ninth wicket. Despite these efforts, Australia managed to chase the target in 46.2 overs with two wickets in hand. Adam Zampa was named Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul. Rohit’s performance and on-field guidance underscored that even without formal captaincy, he remains a central figure in India’s ODI strategy.

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