Rohit Sharma next MS Dhoni of Indian team, says Suresh Raina

Former India batsman, Suresh Raina believes Rohit Sharma is the next ‘MS Dhoni’. Raina felt so due to their synonymous leadership styles on and off the field, during a freewheeling chat with Harsha Bhogle on Cricbuzz In Conversation.

Raina announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, the same day as MS Dhoni.

“Every captain has a different perspective and also a different personality. MS likes to listen to everyone, likes to stay and at the same time Rohit also do the same thing,” said Suresh Raina.

Raina, who played under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in 2018’s Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka, depicted Rohit as a captain who supports youngs players and listens to everyone on the field.

Raina also added that every captain has the same purpose to win games.

“Virat, MS and Rohit are all different, but ultimately all want to win games for India”.

Sharma has captained India in Virat Kohli’s absence and has overseen India to title wins at the Nidahas Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2018. Prevailing, he has shepherded in ten ODIs and 19 T20Is, winning eight and 15 of those respectively.

‘India would have won WC 2019 with Ambati Rayudu’

Suresh Raina opined that India would have won the 2019 World Cup in England had Ambati Rayudu. Raina felt Rayudu should have batted at No. 4 position for the team. 

Before the World Cup, the selectors picked Vijay Shankar and dropped Rayudu which led to the latter calling his retirement. 

“I wanted Rayudu to be India’s number four because he was working very hard, he played almost one and half years,” Raina said. “He performed really well and he wasn’t there.”

Also read: India can never forget your inspiring role during 2011 WC: PM Modi to Suresh Raina