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The assertion by Sunil Gavaskar, that India is unequivocally the best white-ball team globally, gains considerable weight considering their recent triumphs and consistent performance. Having secured the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, along with finishing as runners-up in the ODI World Cup, India's credentials are undeniably strong. Gavaskar's celebratory remarks following India's Champions Trophy victory against New Zealand in Dubai echo the sentiment of many, solidifying the team's position at the pinnacle of white-ball cricket. While the sting of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss lingers, India's dominance leading up to that match cannot be overlooked. The subsequent victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, both achieved with an undefeated record, underscore the team's resilience and unwavering determination to succeed. The magnitude of securing two ICC titles within a span of nine months is a testament to the team's exceptional talent, strategic prowess, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Champions Trophy victory, achieved despite the absence of key players from some participating nations like Australia and the inherent advantage of playing on familiar turf in Dubai, further amplifies the significance of India's triumph. Nasser Hussain's acknowledgement that the best team won the Champions Trophy resonates with the broader consensus within the cricketing fraternity. Even acknowledging that a full-strength Australian side might have posed a stiffer challenge, India's ability to deliver a near-flawless performance throughout the tournament, despite the absence of their premier bowler Jasprit Bumrah, is a noteworthy achievement. The question of whether India has reclaimed its golden era in white-ball cricket evokes comparisons with the formidable MS Dhoni-led teams of the early 2010s. To evaluate this claim, examining the team's trophy haul and statistical performance is essential. Under MS Dhoni's captaincy, India clinched the T20 World Cup in 2007, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Conversely, under Rohit Sharma's leadership, India secured the runner-up position in the 2023 ODI World Cup, won the T20 World Cup in 2024, and emerged victorious in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The period between 2014 and 2022 represents a period of unfulfilled potential for India, despite possessing a wealth of talent. While the team consistently reached the knockout stages of major ICC tournaments, their inability to convert those opportunities into title victories marred their aspirations of establishing a sustained era of dominance. While attributing India's failure in knockout matches to mere '45 minutes of poor cricket' oversimplifies the underlying issues, a complex array of factors contributed to the decade-long trophy drought. India's unexpected triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup under Dhoni's leadership laid the foundation for future success. The 2011 World Cup victory, achieved on home soil amidst heightened expectations, was a testament to the collective strength of the squad, boasting stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh. By 2013, India had undergone a transition towards a new core group comprising Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, and Ishant Sharma. Dhoni's tactical acumen remained instrumental as India secured the Champions Trophy in England. The emergence of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and a fresh crop of fast bowlers further strengthened the team's overall composition. The introduction of two new balls in ODI cricket, however, began to subtly alter the dynamics of the game, potentially impacting India's traditional strengths. Despite winning the Champions Trophy in 2013, the gap between India and the world's leading ODI sides gradually widened following the major rule change in late 2011. R Ashwin's recent observations regarding the detrimental impact of the two-new-ball rule, even suggesting its deliberate implementation to curb India's spin dominance, carry significant weight. As teams adapted to the new regulations, batting assumed a more dominant role in ODI cricket. The restriction of fielding positions, limiting the number of fielders outside the inner circle during powerplays, further tilted the balance in favor of power-hitting sides. Dhoni's once-reliable strategy of stifling opponents through spin in low-scoring encounters became less effective, reflecting the evolving nature of the game. The shift in dynamics became increasingly evident during India's 2015 ODI World Cup campaign, where they were comprehensively outplayed by Australia in a one-sided semi-final clash. When Virat Kohli assumed the captaincy of the white-ball team in 2017, his success in Test cricket did not seamlessly translate into limited-overs dominance. While Kohli demonstrated a clear vision for Test cricket, the white-ball approach under his leadership lacked the same level of clarity and conviction. The 2017 Champions Trophy final debacle exemplified the shortcomings in India's strategic approach. The team's failure to reassess their batting philosophy and misplaced criticism towards their finger-spinners underscored the lack of cohesion within the squad. The subsequent experiment with wrist-spinners before reverting to their established finger-spin options further highlighted the inconsistencies in team selection and strategy. The 50-over tournament in England exposed India's underlying issues, including the absence of a defined playing style and a lack of clarity in team selection. England, in contrast, had revolutionized ODI cricket with an aggressive brand of play, which India hesitated to fully embrace. While India remained competitive, the gap between them and the leading sides widened during this period. India's resurgence in recent times can be attributed to Rohit Sharma's leadership, marked by bold decision-making and a willingness to embrace change. Much like Dhoni, who fine-tuned an already talented squad after the 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, Rohit has overseen a refreshing transformation, leading by example with an aggressive approach at the top of the order. The heartbreaks of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the 2021 T20 World Cup humiliation against Pakistan, and the 2022 semi-final loss to England served as catalysts for a shift in Rohit's mindset. He recognized the imperative for India to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of white-ball cricket. His reflections on the 2019 World Cup, where he scored five centuries, were particularly telling. Despite his personal success, the campaign felt incomplete without the coveted trophy. The realization dawned that success should no longer be measured solely by individual achievements but by the collective impact on the team's overall performance, particularly when batting at the top of a highly talented batting line-up. The transformation began with Rohit's own batting approach. Once known for accumulating runs consistently, he embraced a more aggressive mindset, shedding the fear of failure to set the tone for the team. “I contributed a lot in the 2019 World Cup, but we didn't win. So, it wasn't fun. Even if you score 30 or 40 runs and win the match, you get more satisfaction and happiness. So, I think it was very important for me to do something and contribute and bring the team in a position where there is a little comfort for the rest of the batting order,” Rohit said after his match-winning 76 in the Champions Trophy final. This shift in approach was strongly supported by former head coach Rahul Dravid, who encouraged Rohit to embrace his aggressive philosophy. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, India's decision to play an extra batter for security backfired in the final, particularly in the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. With Pandya's return to the squad, India dominated the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rohit's bold batting approach and the added security of a sixth bowler provided the team with the impetus to reach the top step of the podium in Barbados. Rohit's aggressive intent has faced scrutiny at times, particularly following a lean patch in Test cricket. However, new head coach Gambhir staunchly defended his captain, and Rohit repaid the faith in style, delivering a match-winning performance in a crucial ICC final. His fearless start in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, seizing control before the pitch slowed down, proved decisive. New coach Gautam Gambhir embraced the vision while adding his own touches. Rohit's blueprint continues to drive India's T20I team forward under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership. Although Rohit has retired from T20Is, his vision remains the bedrock of the new captain-coach era. Rohit has confirmed that he has no plans to retire from ODIs just yet. With back-to-back ICC titles secured, Rohit Sharma now sets his sights on a historic treble. If he leads India to victory in the 2027 ODI World Cup, his era could surpass even the legacy of MS Dhoni's all-conquering white-ball dynasty. Success is addictive. Winning 23 of their last 24 ICC white-ball matches is no mean feat!
Rohit Sharma's leadership has been pivotal in India's resurgence in white-ball cricket. His bold decisions and aggressive approach at the top of the order have instilled a sense of fearlessness in the team. The transition from a conservative approach to a more attacking style has been instrumental in India's recent successes. The support from coach Rahul Dravid in embracing Rohit's philosophy has also played a crucial role in the team's transformation. The presence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya has provided balance to the team, allowing for greater flexibility in team selection and strategy. Rohit's focus on contributing to the team's success, even if it means sacrificing personal milestones, has set a positive example for the rest of the squad. The aggressive intent displayed by Rohit has not always been without criticism, particularly when he faced a lean patch in Test cricket. However, the unwavering support from new head coach Gambhir has instilled confidence in Rohit, allowing him to perform at his best on the big stage. The Champions Trophy final against New Zealand showcased Rohit's ability to seize control of the game early on, taking apart the opposition's bowling attack before the pitch slowed down. His explosive start provided India with a significant advantage in their pursuit of the target.
Rohit's legacy extends beyond his own playing career, as his blueprint continues to influence India's T20I team under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership. Although Rohit has retired from T20Is, his vision remains the foundation of the new captain-coach era. Rohit's impact on Indian cricket is undeniable, and he has positioned himself as a strong contender to surpass even the legacy of MS Dhoni. The upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup presents Rohit with an opportunity to solidify his place in history by leading India to a historic treble. The success of winning 23 out of their last 24 ICC white-ball matches is a testament to the team's relentless pursuit of excellence. Rohit Sharma's leadership has brought about a golden era in Indian cricket, characterized by aggressive gameplay, strategic acumen, and a winning mentality.
Source: Undisputed again? Rohit Sharma restores India's golden era in white-ball cricket