'These next few months are critical' - West Indies great Ian Bishop lays out ways for Rohit Sharma to cement legacy as leader

Ian Bishop & Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)

The 2023 Asia Cup is less than ten days away and Team India will approach it as a crucial preparation for the ODI World Cup, which will be held in India from October 5. As India aims to end their drought of a major trophy in the upcoming 50-over tournaments, it will also be crucial for captain Rohit Sharma to establish a name for himself in international cricket captaincy.

Rohit is one of the greatest captains in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having led Mumbai Indians (MI) to glory five times. However, his captaincy with India has yet to live up to expectations as the Men in Blue failed to shine in the 2022 Asia Cup, 2022 T20 World Cup and 2023 WTC final under his leadership. Meanwhile, West Indies legend Ian Bishop opined that the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup will define Rohit's legacy as a leader.

"These next few months are critical to cementing his legacy as a leader if he can take some of that silverware back home. As far as leadership role is concerned, he is obviously aware that India with all its resources - playing and economic - the fulfilment of a major tournament since that Champions Trophy in England is something they definitely want," Bishop said.

Has been a general of ODI format: Ian Bishop

Rohit was not part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad, and he recently expressed his disappointment over it. His beast mode was unleashed in the 50-over format after being promoted to the top of the order. The 36-year-old then featured in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup editions and was the top run-scorer in the latter with staggering five centuries.

Appreciating the veteran opener's phenomenal rise in the ODI format, Bishop said: "Rohit has been an outstanding batter and particularly if you talk about his record in the 50-over format. Has been a general of that format. Now he is making a really good fist of his Test batting."

India will open their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy. The Indian Cricket Board will announce the squad for the continental tournament on Monday, August 21 at 1:30 PM.