Rohit Sharma is Rohit Sharma today because of MS Dhoni: Gautam Gambhir

In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, India's dynamic batter, Rohit Sharma, etched his name in the annals of One Day International history, surpassing the monumental milestone of 10,000 runs. This awe-inspiring achievement unfolded during a riveting Asia Cup Super 4 encounter against Sri Lanka in Colombo, where the 36-year-old batting maestro showcased his batting brilliance.

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Rohit's remarkable journey from a middle-order batsman to the swiftest opener to amass 8,000 ODI runs has been a captivating narrative since his debut in 2007. During his nascent years in the Indian cricketing landscape, the Indian skipper grappled with the complexities of the game. However, it was the sagacious leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni that would alter the course of Rohit's career, forever cementing his status as one of the most formidable openers in modern cricket. Reflecting on this crucial juncture in Rohit's career, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir emphasized the pivotal role Dhoni played in nurturing the Hitman's potential.

"Scoring 10,000 runs was not easy for him. Saw many ups and downs. Having seen that phase, Rohit, as a captain, will back youngsters who go through a difficult period. Rohit Sharma is Rohit Sharma today because of MS Dhoni," Gambhir was seen sharing his opinion on Star Sports.

Gambhir also fondly recollected his initial encounter with Rohit, a moment that left an indelible impression on him. 

"Rohit was playing against my team in a domestic match and my team's score was 350. Rohit came at no.5 and scored 130 runs, guiding his team to victory from precarious circumstances. I asked Wasim Jaffer, who is this guy, from that day I knew that this guy is special," Gambhir reminisced.

Building a legacy through mentorship and following Dhoni's footsteps

In the wake of his ascent to captaincy, the spotlight now turns to the Hitman's ability to nurture and mentor the emerging talents in the Indian cricketing landscape. Gambhir drew a parallel between Rohit and Dhoni, emphasizing the pivotal role of backing young players in leaving a resounding legacy.

"MS backed him continuously in his initial struggling phase. If he wants to leave a legacy behind, not in terms of runs but as a captain, a lot will depend on how he backs the young players. It will be interesting to see how he grooms the upcoming players," Gambhir added.