Caution with aggression: Sunil Gavaskar praises Rohit Sharma after 76 in final

India Today

Champions Trophy 2025: In an interview with India Today, Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Rohit Sharma for mixing caution with aggression and helping India beat New Zealand in the final on Sunday in Dubai.

Transcript

00:00Hello and welcome to Battle of Champions. I'm sure you can hear the fireworks, the excitement, the screams of the fans

00:08because I'm coming to you live from the Dubai International Stadium.

00:13There is fireworks all around me, unfortunately cannot be caught on the camera

00:18but that is exactly what we're witnessing at the moment.

00:21History in the making, 7th ICC title for the Indian team

00:26and currently they are champions in two formats.

00:29In the 50-over format in what we call the mini World Cup

00:32and of course you know they are the world champions in the T20 format.

00:36So at the moment complete prominence by the Indian team in white ball format.

00:40I'm delighted to be joined by Mr. Sunil Gavaskar

00:43who knows what it feels like to be holding an ICC trophy.

00:47He is a World Cup winner himself.

00:49But Sahil, is it fair to say at the moment they missed the 50-over World Cup title

00:55but I'm still taking this big call and tell me if I'm correct or not.

00:59Is India the best white ball team on the planet?

01:03Without a question.

01:04Any team that gets in all the three finals, the 50-over finals, World Cup finals, the T20 winners

01:10and now the champions trophy, without a question they have to be the best white ball team on the planet.

01:16No doubt whatsoever about that.

01:19It was my trip as Dr. Kapil said.

01:22But look, to be able to get in all the finals at home, there was no home advantage in all the other places.

01:29Yet India won.

01:30So clearly I think India without a question is the best white ball team at the moment in the world.

01:37Okay, as Mr. Gavaskar here puts it so accurately, perfectly, the best white ball team on the planet

01:45because remember, they are the champions in T20 cricket and now in the 50-over format as well.

01:51This particular final, Sahil, be honest, you had your heart in your mouth, chewing your nails because it was a close contest.

02:00Well, I wasn't chewing my nails but I certainly was a little bit concerned

02:03because after Rohit Sharma got out, India lost three wickets.

02:10There were still about 130 runs to get, so it wasn't going to be easy.

02:16But we needed a partner, which is exactly what Shreyas Iyer and Akshar Patel provided.

02:20So that steadied the ship, but still there was plenty to be done.

02:24And that is what Rahul and Akshar Patel to an extent did, and Rahul and Aditya Pandya did.

02:29Now what that shows is the depth of talent that India has in the battle as well as in the ball.

02:36In the ball, in the variety that was there, because a lot of the other teams struggled with their fifth bowler.

02:42India didn't have a problem, they had to in fact think who not to give the ball to.

02:47Because they had six bowlers, so six of us bowlers.

02:50That is where the all-round strength of the Indian team was seen and that is what has done at this time.

02:56Okay, I'm going to show you the Dubai skyline and while I show you the skyline, I'm going to move a little bit

03:03because there is a lot of noise around me.

03:06So this is the Dubai skyline and we were seeing a few fireworks going up in the sky a short while ago.

03:14The firework display is over, but our discussion here on India Today continues.

03:19Sunil Gavaskar still with me as we bring you all the very latest from here in Dubai.

03:26I can hear all the dhols and everything being played because we've got visuals from across the country coming in.

03:32We're right now still sticking with this encounter and what a close encounter it was.

03:36Let's start from India's chase, Rohit Sharma.

03:40When you see him bat like this, he gets you those 76 runs, which now is clearly the man of the match winning performance.

03:46And you wonder, if he can only mix caution with aggression, he'll win you every single game.

03:52Because he's got all the shots in the book.

03:55If he can just marry it with the patience that he showed when he was starting out.

03:59Remember, he batted a whole 50 overs innings to get 264 out to the last ball of the innings.

04:04Yesterday we were talking, I said if he bats for 25 overs, India will be 180-190.

04:13But he gave the Indian team a start.

04:16And for the final, the captain playing a century plus innings means he really has lifted the trophy on his own shoulders.

04:26That would have been fantastic.

04:28Still, India winning is just incredibly satisfying.

04:34Because there were occasions when you thought, what is the Indian team going to do?

04:39Because against the Australian, they looked a little bit iffy towards the end, even here.

04:44But the way they showed their temperament, fantastic.

04:47This has been an enjoyable win.

04:50Two close games, semi-final and final, that's exactly what you want.

04:53That's where your temperament is tested.

04:55That's where your skill level is tested.

04:57And the Indians came through with flying colours.

05:00What does this mean also for Indian cricket, Sunny bhai?

05:03And why I ask you that question.

05:05Indian cricket, and we were talking about Rohit Sharma, went through a bit of a tough time.

05:09You lost to the same team which you've beaten here in the final in a test series at home.

05:13You went to Australia, could not retain the Borda Gavaskar trophy.

05:17I know different format.

05:19But Indian cricket needed a lift.

05:21Is this the lift that Indian cricket needed?

05:23Definitely, yes.

05:24I think because it needed, after what happened in Australia, what happened before that in India.

05:27Which was far more disappointing than what happened in Australia.

05:30So clearly, I think Indian cricket needed that lift.

05:33And this victory has provided just the flip that it needed.

05:37I'm going to go back to the Rohit Sharma subject.

05:40Before this game was starting, there were talks whether this could be his last ODI for India.

05:46Because I think now the ODI that they're going to play is only December.

05:50Next ODI that India plays.

05:52And then of course you have the World Cup which is two years away.

05:55Looking at his form, looking at the way he marshals his troop, the captain that he is.

05:59Now two white ball titles.

06:01What do you reckon?

06:02Would you like for him to continue?

06:04I know it's his decision.

06:05But would you like for him to continue?

06:07Or do you think this is the perfect time?

06:09I think this is the perfect time.

06:10But what is likely to happen is that the selection committee will have a sit down with him.

06:18And ask him what his take on the future is.

06:22Because what they would like to do is at the moment is look to plan ahead for the 27 World Cup.

06:28And so that is now two years down the road.

06:30Two and a half years down the road.

06:31So clearly I think they will want to ask him, look, do you think you'll be able to play till…

06:36It will mean he'll be 40 years old when that happens.

06:39So that is the kind of discussion that is likely to take place between the selection committee and Rohit Sharma.

06:46So it's a tough one.

06:48We all think that we can go on.

06:50We all think that we can carry on.

06:52But you want to know if he's enjoying it.

06:55If he's enjoying the responsibility.

06:57If he's enjoying the little tension of being a captain and finding things not really always going your way.

07:01Then you want to carry on.

07:03But if you're not enjoying it.

07:04If it is just getting a little too much.

07:05Then you want to say, okay, thank you guys.

07:07I've had enough.

07:08Whether he carries on or not.

07:10I'm already talking about his legacy.

07:12I said, you know, seventh ICC title.

07:15Most captains have only won one.

07:17There is only one MS Dhoni.

07:19You know, that had three.

07:21Now in that elite list, right behind him, Rohit Sharma with two.

07:24Yes.

07:25I mean, that was even in the IPL, he's got as captain.

07:31So his leadership, there's no question about his leadership qualities.

07:34And now just behind MS Dhoni with two ICC titles.

07:40Just tells you how wonderful a leader he's been for the Indian cricket team.

07:44Even if he is to walk away right now.

07:47Do you think one of the things he leaves behind is the positive intent with which the Indian team is playing?

07:53We saw that in T20 cricket.

07:55This slightly changed it.

07:56And he was the one who was leading from the front.

07:58And the new team is only carrying that thing forward in the young T20 team.

08:01You think even now, if he was to walk away from the ODI format.

08:04This new mindset of fearless cricket that he has initiated.

08:08Even as captain, he's walking the talk.

08:10That's that one legacy he leaves behind?

08:12I'm sure that will be the case.

08:14But don't forget, there's only one Rohit Sharma.

08:17So Rohit Sharma was the one who could do it.

08:19And do it, you know, pretty regularly.

08:22Whether his replacement and at the top of the order, one and two.

08:26Is going to be able to replicate that, we don't know.

08:29So because he was able to do it himself.

08:32Even in the final against Australia at Ahmedabad.

08:35He got a 40 in no time.

08:39But whoever replaces him, is going to be able to do that?

08:42We don't know.

08:43But even if they do, even 75% of what he's doing.

08:46They'll be getting the team off to a very good start.

08:48I know it's a mood question now.

08:49But since you talk about that Ahmedabad game.

08:51If that caution with aggression, Rohit Sharma was there.

08:55Maybe we would have had the 50 over title as well.

08:57Yes.

08:58But look, sometimes this is not what happens.

09:02Sometimes the gods above want you to be brought down to earth.

09:06Remember, we had the 2007 T20 World Cup.

09:09We had the 2011 50 over the ICC World Cup.

09:12And we also had the 2013 Champions Trophy.

09:17So we had three of the major trophies.

09:19And if we had got round to winning the 2014 T20 World Cup.

09:24Which we lost in the final.

09:25Then we would have had just an incredible thing with MS Dhoni.

09:29With him having won all these trophies.

09:32And India being the number one team in Test cricket as well.

09:36Talk us through the supporting cast.

09:39Because that's another standout feature.

09:40And we've seen every time a team wins a World Cup like event.

09:44There has to be multiple heroes.

09:45And that's exactly what we've seen.

09:47Three names that come to my mind right now.

09:49One of Akshar Patel.

09:51He's picked up wickets.

09:52Must be in the top 15 wicket takers.

09:54He's got some runs.

09:55Must be in probably top 15 run getters as well.

09:58Shreyas Iyer.

09:59Second highest run getter of this tournament.

10:01And remember, he's not an opener.

10:02Rachin Ravindra has gone ahead.

10:03One inning less.

10:04But an opener.

10:05Or you at least get one, two or three.

10:07He's still coming down the order.

10:08And getting you those tough runs.

10:10Third one, KL Rahul.

10:11Till the start of the tournament was quiet.

10:13Now the semi-final.

10:15And the finalists played two crucial roles.

10:17Tell us about these three players and their supporting role.

10:19And don't forget Varun Chakravarthy and Virat Kohli.

10:21Yes, I was going to get to the bowlers.

10:22Another question for them.

10:23No, Virat Kohli as well as a matter.

10:25I mean he scored a 100 and then he got a 85.

10:27So, it just tells you.

10:28That look, when it was needed, he held the team together.

10:32At a time when the top order had not delivered.

10:35So, I mean all these players.

10:38If you have a situation where 5-6 players have been match winners for you.

10:41Then it's bound to be that your team is going to go on to win.

10:44Because you always have somebody or the other.

10:46Who is going to be able to bring the team out from a tricky situation.

10:52Varun Chakravarthy has bowled well.

10:54Shreyas Iyer, the way he kept his cool.

10:56Akshay Patel as well.

10:57You know maybe a shot was a little.

11:00I know I wasn't very happy with the shot.

11:02While I was in commentary.

11:04But he is back at well.

11:05He has bowled well.

11:06And the run out he had in the first game.

11:09So, clearly I think it just tells you.

11:11That here is another cricketer.

11:14Who can be relied on.

11:16Relied on because you know.

11:17In a situation where it is needed to keep your head.

11:20He did keep his head.

11:22He can sometimes get a bit carried away.

11:25And play a shot like he did today.

11:27This really is not the easiest of shots to play.

11:30Because you know.

11:31This is a flow.

11:33Here your arm gets just a little bit locked.

11:36Otherwise he would have finished the match.

11:38He would have been unbeaten.

11:39He would have got a half century as well.

11:41But never mind.

11:42I think overall he has done magnificently.

11:44These are the guys who have done exceedingly well.

11:48And that augurs also superbly for India in the future.

11:51That all these players have still got plenty of years left in international history.

11:56I have the toughest question for you now.

11:58Who is your man of the tournament?

12:00There is a contender in Virat Kohli.

12:02There is a contender in Shreyas Iyer.

12:04Maybe Akshar Patel or Varun Chakravorty.

12:07Less games.

12:08Too many.

12:09Rohit Sharma with that knock.

12:10You do the tough job.

12:12I would imagine that I think it will be a tough one.

12:15Between say Virat Kohli.

12:18Varun Chakravorty.

12:21And Akshar Patel as well.

12:23So all these players have done exceedingly well.

12:26Very, very tough.

12:29Like I said.

12:30And of course not to forget Rohit Sharma's captaincy.

12:32See, that's how tough it is.

12:34That's how tough it is.

12:35You can't really put.

12:36If you had to cast a vote, who are you casting for?

12:37Now the tough bit.

12:40I am not a selection.

12:42I am just so happy that India has won.

12:44I would give anybody the player of the tournament.

12:47You just want the trophy.

12:49The trophy to come to India.

12:50But that's all.

12:51That's the only thing.

12:53And I am so happy that it has happened.

12:55It is coming back after a big gap of 12 years.

12:58You must remember that as well.

12:59Champions trophy.

13:00We have the heartbreak.

13:01We were runners up in the last one that was played.

13:03So, you know what I mean.

13:05India has done well in this champions trophy.

13:07Previously also 2002.

13:09It was because of the rain.

13:10We were joint holders.

13:11So this champions trophy.

13:13India really has been an outstanding team.

13:15Does it take, and I am asking you as a fan.

13:17Does it take away from that pain of 19th November?

13:2150 over world cup final.

13:23No, I don't think so.

13:24That's something else.

13:25That is something else.

13:27Winning in front of your home crowd is something different.

13:33Just imagine more than 100,000 people there.

13:36At the Narendra Modi stadium.

13:38How it would have been.

13:40The noise.

13:42The noise if India had won.

13:44Would have reached the skies somewhere.

13:46Which would have reached maybe Mars.

13:48And Venus.

13:49It would have been such an expression of joy.

13:53If India had won over there.

13:54But never mind.

13:582031 the world cup is in India.

14:012031.

14:02Finally before I let you go.

14:04I want to remind our viewers one thing.

14:06We have won this tournament.

14:08Without the biggest match winner on the planet.

14:11His name is Jasprit Bumrah.

14:12Missed that tournament because of an injury.

14:14I want to know.

14:15You can't really replace Jasprit Bumrah and the impact that he has.

14:18But can Varun Chakraborty or was Varun Chakraborty that X factor that came in?

14:23Yes.

14:24Because the way he bowled.

14:26Nobody conquered him.

14:28And therefore that is the reason why.

14:30That is the reason why.

14:32The middle overs where India was struggling in the earlier matches.

14:36They were able to get wickets.

14:37They were able to put the brakes on the opposition.

14:39Alright.

14:40We leave Mr. Gavaskar now.

14:42He has to go to our sister channel.

14:44Thank you so much for joining us.

14:46Sharing your joy with our viewers as well.

14:48And just like you I am sure all of them are very happy and excited.

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