Former Australia skipper Ian Chappell on Sunday that Indian opener Rohit Sharma’s match-winning against Bangladesh in the third quarter final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, reminded him of Sri Lanka’s batting legend Aravinda de Silva.
“Throughout his excellent innings, I was reminded of the discipline displayed by Aravinda de Silva in the 1996 World Cup final,” Ian Chappell wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo.
“It was one of the great innings of self-restraint played by a batsman who could be extravagant, bordering on reckless at times,” Chappell said.
Chappell said Rohit was very disciplined throughout the innings and he was very careful about his shot-selection.
“Rohit was every bit disciplined, and mostly denied himself the signature lofted shots into the stands or the careless uppish shot through the infield that so often bring one of his promising innings to a premature halt,” Ian said.
Chappell, 75, also praised Suresh Raina for his supporting role in the quarter final against Bangladesh.
“As much as Rohit was the star and Suresh Raina was good who played a strong supporting role,” Chappell said.
Chappell also came up in appreciation for Indian bowlers. Chappell said that no one would have imagined before the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, that India would take 7- wickets in their first seven matches of the tournament.
“Six weeks ago you wouldn’t have dreamed the Indians would claim all 70 wickets in their first seven World Cup matches.”
“Nevertheless, that’s exactly what the bowlers have achieved, and it’s a credit to their persistence and resilience that they have been able to click into gear when it has really mattered,” he said.
World Cup 2015: India’s best fielding moments
Chappell was also impressed with India’s fielding in the tournament. Chappell said that India accepted all the chances that were created and the final component in India’s World Cup 2015 resurgence.
“The final component in India’s World Cup resurgence has been the fielding. It was athletic and safe, with the occasional brilliant intercept at the MCG.”
“It helps if all the chances created are accepted, and this also helps to build the confidence of the bowlers,” Ian Chappell concluded.
