"I almost see him as a Matthew Hayden type of player" - When Shane Bond compared Rohit Sharma to Aussie batting legend
Former New Zealand fast bowler and Mumbai Indians' ex-bowling coach Shane Bond once compared India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma with Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden. According to Bond, Rohit is the kind of player who can impose himself on pitches that are considered difficult for batting.
The seasoned Indian batter is considered one of the most gifted cricketers in the world. In 61 Tests, he has scored 4,179 runs at an average of 43.98, with 12 tons to his credit. The 37-year-old has also amassed over 10,800 runs from 265 ODIs. His stats include a record three double tons. Further, Rohit retired from T20Is with over 4,000 runs from 159 matches at a strike rate of 140.89.
Sharing his thoughts ahead of the 2021 World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton, Bond was effusive in his praise of the seasoned Indian batter. Speaking at a virtual press conference organized by Star Sports, he said (as quoted by India Today):
"I love Rohit Sharma as a player. I almost see him as a Matthew Hayden type of player. He goes out, as he did in the series against England on very difficult pitches, and imposes himself. He could come out and score very quick runs. He is dynamic and in difficult conditions, like Rishabh Pant, who can take the game away from the opposition very quickly.
"With the field up, being a natural stroke maker sort of suits him when the ball is hard. If he can score fast and put runs on the board, that instantly puts pressure on the bowling group," the former Kiwi quick went on to add.
For the record, New Zealand went on to beat India by eight-wickets in a rain-affected WTC 2021 final. Rohit got starts in both innings, but could not carry on and was dismissed for 34 and 30 respectively. He was caught in the slip cordon in the first innings, playing a loose stroke off Kyle Jamieson. In the second essay, the right-handed batter was trapped leg before by Tim Southee for 30.
Rohit Sharma will lead India in the Test series against New Zealand
Cut to the present, Rohit will be leading Team India in the three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. The first Test of the series will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16 to October 20. The second Test will be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24 to October 28.
The India vs New Zealand series will conclude with the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to November 5. Before the series against the Kiwis, the Indian skipper led the side to a 2-0 win over Bangladesh at home.