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Is India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma’s approach in the power-plays more about calculated aggression than a lack of stamina? His game has always been about timing and picking the right balls to attack, and he understands that the power-play overs offer the best scoring opportunities with field restrictions in place. Of course, Rohit does take the aerial route often, but that’s not necessarily because he can’t grind it out.
When he plays the long innings, like his record-breaking ODI double centuries or big Test knocks, he proves he has the patience and endurance. The difference is in intent — he knows that modern white-ball cricket demands a flying start, and his role as an opener is to exploit the early overs rather than just survive. But is there is a fitness angle attached to his lack of patience to stay at the crease?
Also, if we compare Rohit to Kohli, it’s a clash of styles more than stamina. Kohli is a master of strike rotation and chasing, while Rohit prefers to dominate bowlers early and then consolidate if needed. That’s why Rohit can accelerate so brutally once set, while Kohli builds momentum gradually. Rohit hasn’t always played white-ball cricket in this ultra-aggressive mode.
In ODIs, he’s known for his measured starts before shifting gears, which is why he has those mammoth scores. But in T20s, especially in recent years, he has clearly altered his approach — going harder in the powerplay, even at the risk of early dismissals. Whether this shift is due to a dip in stamina, a tactical adjustment, or just the changing demands of modern day cricket is open to debate.
Kohli’s game is built on high fitness levels and relentless strike rotation, whereas Rohit’s batting is more about explosive impact. Maybe he recognizes that his body doesn’t allow him to play the long, energy-draining innings as often as before, so he maximises his scoring upfront.
As Rohit nears the final stretch of his career, the real question is how he balances this aggressive instinct with his wealth of experience. If he can find the right mix, his swan song could be something truly special, who knows?
