Gambhir lauds Rohit Sharma, says he is ‘most successful cricketer in IPL’

Since its debut in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had numerous great captains. The league has witnessed MS Dhoni‘s charm with Chennai Super Kings and Gautam Gambhir‘s ferocity while heading Kolkata Knight Riders. However, when it comes to winning championships, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is a cut above the rest. Rohit, who began his IPL career with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, won the title in 2009 before joining the Mumbai franchise for US$2 million.

Four teams were interested in acquiring Rohit. Instead, Royal Challengers Bangalore chose Saurabh Tiwary, Chennai Super Kings chose Murali Vijay, and Kolkata Knight Riders thought the price was too high. The struggle was finally won by Mumbai, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Also Read | IPL: Rajasthan Royals appoint Lasith Malinga as fast-bowling coach

Rohit’s leadership experience with the Mumbai Indians began when he was elected captain after former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting stepped down midway through the 2013 season. They came in second in the league before defeating Chennai in the final. In the same season, they also won the now-defunct Champions League Twenty20.

Rohit went on to lead the Mumbai Indians to IPL championships in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, making the team the most successful franchise in IPL history. Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir praised Rohit, saying he was the only captain who gave him “sleepless nights.”

Also Read | Watch: MS Dhoni’s inputs enable CSK youngster hit towering sixes

“Rohit Sharma, as captain, is the only player who has kept me up at night. Only Rohit Sharma, not Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, or anybody else. He is the player who has kept me up at night. As captain, there has never been a more successful cricketer in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL),” during a debate on Star Sports, Gambhir, who has been hired as a mentor by Lucknow Super Giants, stated.

Rohit, who just succeeded Virat Kohli as India’s all-format captain, will skipper the Mumbai Indians in the 2018 IPL season, which runs from March 26 to May 29. In Mumbai and Pune, 70 league matches will be contested over four international grade stadiums.

Also Read | CSK, KKR to meet in IPL 2022 opener at Wankhede

Mumbai Indians are in Group A with the Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants. Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans make up Group B.