I have seen a massive switch in the Indian cricket team especially when they are setting targets now: Paul Collingwood

Since Rohit assumed leadership of Team India from Virat Kohli, there has been a noticeable paradigm shift in the team's mentality which is evident in the brand of cricket they have exhibited. This transformation has been particularly visible in their domination of bilateral series and other tournaments. Despite their stumble in the final of the 50-over World Cup in 2023, they were widely regarded as the most formidable team in the tournament. The ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup reflects a similar supremacy, with India displaying exceptional performance by winning all six of their completed matches leading up to a crucial semi-final encounter against England.

Former English skipper, Paul Collingwood, recently discussed Rohit Sharma's leadership approach, noting the clarity of his messaging. Collingwood emphasized the importance of players having unwavering self-belief and confidence, supported by the captain and coach, evident through positive press conferences, uplifting team talks, and Rohit's emphasis on strike-rates and influencing matches rather than pursuing personal milestones. Collingwood also praised India's prowess in chasing targets in T20Is, particularly highlighting Kohli's adeptness in such situations.

“Look, I think the messaging is pretty clear from Rohit Sharma. Whether it's the messaging in the changing room, or some of the messaging we have seen in his press conferences, where he says it's not about personal milestones, it's about strike-rates or having an impact on the game, all these things are huge when it comes to players going out and having that belief that the captain and the coach is 100% behind you, and have an impact on the game. And, I think it's seen a massive change in the Indian cricket team. They've always been one of the best chasers in T20 cricket, Virat Kohli at the top of the order, once he knows what rhythm, what style he's got to play, then he's one of the best chasers," said Collingwood, while speaking exclusively to the Star Sports Press Room. 

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"I've seen a massive switch in the Indian cricket team, especially when they are setting targets now, they really want to be aggressive from ball one. In England, they have been doing this for six, seven years, since Eoin Morgan took over in 2016. They've had this really go out and be aggressive from ball one approach. And it seems that they've set a benchmark for other teams to follow that and India are no different. So when you've got the skill and the batters that the Indian cricket team have, it can be a very powerful and dangerous unit,” he added.

Rohit Sharma has all the capabilities of a winning captain: Sreesanth

During the same programme, former Indian cricketer, S. Sreesanth, lauded Rohit, and expressed his belief in the latter's leadership qualities, citing his personality and experience as integral to his success as a winning captain. Sreesanth confidently asserted that Rohit had the potential to lift the World Cup, drawing parallels to Afghan captain, Rashid Khan's cohesive leadership style rooted in unity and brotherhood, qualities Rohit has displayed frequently during his tenure with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. 

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"Rohit Sharma has all the capabilities of a winning captain. He's got that experience, so I don't see any reason why he can't go all the way and win the World Cup. We spoke about Rashid Khan and how, with brotherhood, he has kept the team as a unit. Similarly, Rohit Sharma has also done it many times in franchise cricket. He knows every player individually," said Sreesanth.

"Despite the speculations going on throughout the week, in the last press conference, he spoke about Hardik Pandya being a key player in the team. Just like Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 World Cup as an all-rounder with bat, ball, and fielding, I think Hardik Pandya is very much capable of doing that in this World Cup. We wouldn't be surprised if Rohit Sharma lifts that trophy," added Sreesanth.