'Want to see him with a World Cup trophy': Yuvraj Singh on 'close friend' Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma (Pic: AFP)

Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday extolled Rohit Sharma's astute captaincy, noting his adeptness in making crucial decisions under pressure. Yuvraj, expressing his desire to witness his "close friend" secure the elusive T20 World Cup next month, underscores Sharma's indispensable role for Team India.

Having reached the finals of the 50-over World Cup and the WTC Final last year, India, under Sharma's leadership, advanced to the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. The opener is poised to once again helm the 'Men in Blue' in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA, commencing on June 2.

"(Rohit's presence is going to be) very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he's the one to take them," Yuvraj, who is the T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador, told ICC.

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India's pursuit of an ICC title endured a setback with the defeat to Australia in the World Cup 2023 final, marking a decade since their last triumph in the Champions Trophy of 2013 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's stewardship. Yuvraj advocates for Sharma's leadership, emphasizing the necessity of his expertise to guide the Indian team at this prestigious tournament.

"He was the captain when we lost in the (Cricket World Cup) 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India."

Reflecting on Sharma's journey since his debut for the Indian team as a teenager in 2007, Yuvraj fondly reminisces about his initial impression of the dynamic opener, jesting about his early struggles with English. "Very funny guy. From the streets of Borivali (in Mumbai), we always tease him. But a great guy at heart."

Yuvraj concluded his final season as an active cricketer under Sharma's captaincy at MI, illustrating Sharma's influence and leadership qualities.

"The more success he's had, he has never changed as a person. That's the beauty of Rohit Sharma. Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys, A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket. I really want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal. He really deserves it."

(With agency inputs)