Former India head coach hails Rohit Sharma for transforming India’s white-ball mindset

There was a time when India’s white-ball cricket revolved around caution and control. Then came Rohit Sharma, who turned that philosophy on its head. Backed by coach Rahul Dravid, the Indian skipper championed a new era defined by aggression, intent, and freedom, a shift that not only changed how India played but also how the world viewed them.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has lauded Rohit Sharma for revolutionising India’s white-ball cricket approach, crediting the skipper for instilling a fearless, attacking mindset that led to India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.

A New Era of Aggression

Speaking on Breakfast with Champions, Dravid revealed that his partnership with Rohit marked a turning point for India’s limited-overs cricket. “From the time I came in, a lot of the discussion with Rohit was about playing a more aggressive brand of cricket,” Dravid said. “He deserves a lot of credit for moving the team in that direction and changing how India plays white-ball cricket.”

The shift was first evident during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Rohit’s fearless starts at the top set the tone for India’s dominant run to the final. The same aggressive mindset paid off handsomely when India ended their 17-year T20 World Cup drought in 2024, defeating South Africa in a thrilling finale.

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Rohit’s Adaptability and Evolving Role

After retiring from T20Is and Tests, Rohit continues to showcase his versatility in ODIs. During the Australia series earlier this year, he played the anchor’s role to perfection, scoring 73 and an unbeaten 121 in consecutive matches performances that took him back to the top of the ICC ODI rankings.

As Rohit gears up for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, Dravid’s praise underscores his enduring impact not just as a match-winner, but as a leader who reshaped India’s modern cricketing identity.