3 reasons why Rohit Sharma is currently the best batsman in LOI formats

One of India's best opening batsmen in recent times, Rohit Sharma has undoubtedly transformed into a class player and considering him to be the best is no longer as outlandish a take as it would’ve been a year or so ago.

In the last 18 months, Rohit's performance has seen a facelift and has made a massive impact at the top of the order. In 2018, he averaged over 73 and in the ongoing year, he has averaged over 57. Besides, he finished as the top run-scorer with 648 runs in 10 innings and stamped his dominance as a game-changer for India.

While Rohit's transition from just a middle-order batsman to one of the best opening batsmen did take time, he has finally lived up to his much-talked-about potential, at least in the limited-overs scene. Here are a few reasons why he can be considered as the best limited-overs batsman in the world.

Note: The views of the author do not necessarily reflect the views of Sportskeeda.

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#3 A plethora of records to his name

Rohit has four T20I centuries

After making his debut in 2007, Rohit Sharma had a largely start-stop career till about 2013. He started very well and put up some decent knocks in the 2007 World T20 in South Africa and followed by the famous CB series triumph in Australia.

However, just as he was cementing his spot in the side, he became inconsistent. Soon, it was in the 2013 Champions Trophy where he was given the chance to open the batting and since then, he has hardly looked back. His ODI average of almost 49 at a strike rate of above 88 is quite a stellar record, and he has amassed 27 centuries - the third highest amongst Indian cricketers in the 50-over format.

His record in T20Is is also truly magnificent and in the shortest format, he averages close to 32 with a healthy strike rate of 136. He has more T20I centuries (4) than any other player in this format and is the leading run-scorer for India in this format as well. The elegant right-hander also holds the record for smashing the fastest century in T20I history.

#2 The temperament and ability to assess the situations

Rohit can adapt himself to any situation

Undoubtedly a talented player, Rohit Sharma has added a whole lot of skill sets to his style of play and there are certain aspects of his game which have grown by leaps and bounds. A few years ago, Rohit would make starts but would lose concentration and give away his wicket.

However, Rohit has altered his approach now and is someone who is happy to take his time in the middle, banking on his ability to accelerate when he is well set in the middle. It is of no surprise that Rohit Sharma has hit more sixes in limited-overs cricket than any other Indian cricketer and since 2010, no one has hit more sixes than Rohit Sharma in international cricket.

Given the fact that Rohit divides his knock into two parts - settling in at the beginning and then going big once he is set, the maturity and ability to stitch composed knocks makes him a vital asset to the team.

#1 A solid technique and positive approach

Rohit's technique helps him to play the long innings

Rohit Sharma's class and quality, when he is on a song, is a sight to behold. He has a very simple technique that helps him stick to the basics and his ability to switch gears at will makes him a dangerous prospect for opposition bowlers.

His ability to read the length early and get into position gives him a lot of time for shot selection and while some players from the subcontinent have often had issues against the short ball, Rohit is one of those batsmen who have no issues with taking on the pace and bounce.

Rohit’s brilliance is evident and one cannot deny how good he has become, especially in the last couple of years. Scoring three double hundreds in ODI cricket is certainly no mean feat and it is evidence of the fact that he can play those long, game-changing knocks which often win matches for his team.