AB De Villiers playing against Rohit Sharma. (Credit: Twitter)
De Villiers revealed that he had massive respect for Rohit because of what he had achieved for his nation in international cricket.
In the latest episode of the 360 Show on his YouTube channel, De Villiers underlined the fact that the Indian batter was one of the slowest to reach 2000 ODI runs but made an incredible comeback to become the second-fastest player to 10,000 runs in the 50-over format.
“Rohit was fourth slowest to 2,000 runs, but the second fastest to 10,000. How’s that for a comeback?” he said. De Villiers revealed that he had massive respect for Rohit because of what he had achieved for his nation in international cricket. “I have a lot of respect for him” the 39-year-old stated.
AB de Villiers even revealed that he always knew that Rohit Sharma was a special talent. “The first time I watched him play, I thought this guy has got something special”, the former cricketer was heard saying.
He also talked about Rohit’s undying fighting spirit from a very early age. According to De Villiers, the Indian batter was not someone who would back down from a challenge. He said, “What I like most about him – from a very young age, he’s [Rohit] always had a fighting spirit. He would not back down to anyone.”
Rohit Sharma engraved his name in the history books after accomplishing 10,000 ODI runs during India’s Super Four game against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. This incredible milestone has put him on an illustrious list. He is only the sixth Indian to achieve this feat after Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. It took Rohit 248 matches to set this record, putting him right behind Kohli.
Rohit Sharma is leading India in the Asia Cup 2023 campaign in Sri Lanka. The Indian batter has proven to be a crucial asset for the Men in Blue, becoming the second-highest run-scorer for his side.
Shubman Gill currently leads the table with 275 runs to his name. Rohit, on the other hand, has amassed 194 runs in the five innings that he has played in the tournament so far. He currently has an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 107.77.
ALSO READ: Asia Cup Final: India Favourites as Rohit Sharma’s Men Aim for Record-extending Eighth Title
Rohit’s performances have helped India seal a spot in the final of the Asia Cup. Team India will face Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final on September 17 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.