Rohit Sharma gives his opinion on who between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith is the best batsman presently during a Press Conference at The Oval
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The flamboyant opening batsman was lived up to the expectation of millions of Indian fans across the Cricketing spectrum, with his 144 ball 122 against South Africa in India’s opening match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. He played a really gritty knock at the challenging Southampton pitch, thereby scoring his slowed ODI century in his entire Cricketing career.
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However, while addressing a Press Conference at The Kia Oval- where India is supposed to play its second World Cup match against Australia, Rohit was asked the very rhetorical question which the World keeps asking every other famous athlete or celebrity every now and then- Who is the best batsman currently? Is it Virat Kohli or Steve Smith.
Rohit gives his opinion
The very question was also posed in front of India’s superstar from the last match, during the Press Conference.
Earlier, the Australian limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch had opined that it is his team mate and former Aussie skipper- Steve Smith, who he believes is the best batter in the world in contemporary times, and not Virat Kohli.
The 32-year-old, without giving in too much in answer said that unless both of them do not square-off against each other, these comparisons will continue to happen.
“These comparisons will keep happening until these two are playing. This is for you to decide and not for me”, Rohit said.
Rohit Sharma was asked in PC about Aaron Finch saying Steve Smith is the best batsman (and implying not Virat Kohli): “These comparisons will keep happening until these two are playing. This is for you to decide and not for me.” #CWC19 #IndvAus
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 8, 2019
Who’s the best batsman in the world: Steve Smith or Virat Kohli? 🤔 #CWC19
Here’s what Aaron Finch and Rohit Sharma think 👇 pic.twitter.com/pIFq22Eefw
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 8, 2019
On the Southampton knock
He also gave in further insights on the match-winning innings that he played against South Africa in Southampton. He rated his century as one of the best in his ODI career, as it wasn’t the sort of innings that comes naturally to him.
“My 122* at Southampton was a very special hundred. One of my best. Wasnt an easy pitch. Had to be patient. It wasn’t a typical innings of me. Not my best but right up there”, said Rohit.
He also opined on how the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, where he began his journey as India’s opening batsman gave him a lot of confidence, and how that phase helped him understand his game better.
“Champions Trophy gave me lots of confidence. Opening hasn’t been easy, it’s a challenge. Last 4-5 years I’ve really understood my game. How you need to bat in certain conditions and how important it is to bat through an innings”, said Rohit.
#CCWorldCup2019 #CWC19 #INDvAUS @klrahul11 didn’t get a lot of runs in the last game but he looked good and helped me put on a big partnership. His 24 was as good as a 50. I have a lot of hope from him for the tournament: @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/zGdJeeQfar
— Jamie Alter (@alter_jamie) June 8, 2019