Former South African batsman AB de Villiers has expressed his admiration for Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s unwavering fighting spirit. De Villiers praised Rohit’s resilience and determination, highlighting his incredible journey from a slow start to becoming the second fastest batter to reach 10,000 runs in ODI cricket.

Speaking on the 360 Show, De Villiers commended Rohit’s remarkable turnaround in his one-day career, saying, “Rohit was fourth slowest to 2,000 runs, but the second fastest to 10,000. How’s that for a comeback? I have a lot of respect for him. The first time I watched him play, I thought this guy has got something special to offer.”

What stood out most to De Villiers about Rohit was his unyielding fighting spirit, which he exhibited from a very young age. De Villiers recalled an incident from a Test match in Durban where Rohit faced formidable South African bowlers like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, refusing to back down. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

“I think of a Test match in Durban where he just wouldn’t stand back to Dale Steyn or Morne Morkel or any of our fast bowlers. He would make eye contact. If anyone chirped him. He would be right in their face, chest out. I always liked that. At that time, I didn’t enjoy it because he was there to beat us. But thinking back, he always had this incredible fighting spirit,” De Villiers reminisced.

In 248 ODIs, Rohit Sharma has accumulated 10,031 runs at an average of 48.93 and a strike rate of 90.27, featuring 30 centuries and 51 half-centuries. His consistent performances have been a testament to his tenacity and skill.

De Villiers also praised Rohit’s partnership with young opening batsman Shubman Gill. Together, they have formed a formidable opening duo for India, averaging 87.09 with a strike rate of 110 in 12 ODI innings.

“Very interestingly, he has had an incredible partnership with Shubman Gill. Two fighters at the crease is always a dangerous thing for the opposition. As an opening pair, they are averaging 87-odd (95) with a strike rate of 110. If they can do that for India in the World Cup…,” De Villiers noted.

With the World Cup on the horizon, De Villiers believes that Rohit and Gill’s dynamic partnership bodes well for India. Their consistent performances, along with India’s formidable bowling attack, position the team favorably as they prepare for the upcoming challenges on the global stage. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.