IPL 2020: Rohit Sharma reveals what he learnt from Ricky Ponting after becoming MI skipper

Since donning the opener’s hat, Rohit has etched his name as one of the most successful batsmen of the modern era. Be his humongous sixes or impeccable timing, the ‘Hitman’ has now become an indispensable part of the national side.

Along with his journey with Team India, Rohit’s association with Mumbai Indians has also reaped him monumental success. After shifting his base to MI from Deccan Chargers, Rohit was eventually passed the captaincy baton.

There has been no looking back for Rohit since then. His career reached new heights with the Mumbai side as he went on to become the most successful skipper in the history of IPL. Having steered MI to four IPL trophies, Rohit is currently standing head and shoulders above most IPL captains.

Reflecting upon his success with the Mumbai franchise, Rohit revealed that he has learnt from Australian batting great Ricky Ponting how to make everyone feel important in his team. Rohit, who has one more IPL title than Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni, will be vying for another trophy this season in the UAE.

Youngsters will come out good when they’re not under pressure: Rohit Sharma

“I see how I can get little contributions from all the players. And of course, my performance is also important,” the India opener said on the first episode of India Today Inspiration.

“I want to make sure that the 10 guys who are playing and the other players on the bench, I should be talking to them and make them feel important. And that is something that I learned from Ricky Ponting. The first thing Ponting told me that when you are captaining you can’t be thinking about how you want them to do it.

Always listen to them, take it in your stride and then filter it and give it to them. It was a great learning for me when he was a part of Mumbai,” Rohit further said. When asked how he looks after the youngsters of the side, Rohit says that they deliver their best when they’re not under any pressure.

“Those players will come out good or will be at their best when they are not under pressure. When there is not too much talking going on about them in the squad. They get to know all these things,” added the prolific batsman.

After losing the IPL 2020 tournament opener against CSK, Rohit and his troops made a strong comeback in their subsequent game against Kolkata Knight Riders. It was none other than Rohit who led his side from the front a slammed a match-winning 80 off just 54 deliveries. MI are now slated to face Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in their third encounter this year’s IPL.