When it comes to Mumbai Indians (MI), one man who has made a difference for the side is their fecund skipper, Rohit Sharma. Having guided the side to four title wins, he is the most successful skipper in the Indian Premier League (IPL), along with the most successful side.
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Although he might not be a regular captain for Team India, he has been doing a great job for MI since 2013, when he won the first title for the side with his first outing as the captain. However, what has made him such a good captain?
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Speaking on the same in the opening episode of India Today Inspiration (season 2), Rohit credited an Australian for honing his leadership skills. And, that Australian happens to be none other than former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting.
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“I see how I can get little contributions from all the players. And of course, my performance is also important. I want to make sure that the 10 guys who are playing and the other players on the bench, I should be talking to them and make them feel important. And, that is something that I learned from Ricky Ponting," Rohit said.
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“The first thing Ponting told me that when you are captaining, you can’t be thinking about how you want them to do it. Always listen to them, take it in your stride and then, filter it and give it to them. It was a great learning for me when he was a part of Mumbai," added Rohit.
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Ponting is one of the most successful skippers of Australia, having helped the side to two ICC World Cup title wins, while the side had consolidated its spot in both Tests and ODIs for a considerable period. Ponting had also captained MI and even coached the side to a title win.
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Meanwhile, Rohit also spoke on how he motivates the youngsters, to help them perform. “Those players will come out good or will be at their best when they are not under pressure. When there is not too much talking going on about them in the squad. They get to know all these things," he concluded.
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