Asia Cup 2018: When it Comes to Calmness, I am Similar to MS Dhoni, Says Rohit Sharma

India, under Sharma's leadership, defeated Bangladesh by three wickets in a pulsating Asia Cup 2018 final to clinch the title for the record seventh time on Friday in Dubai.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s form with the bat might be dwindling rapidly but Rohit Sharma is proud of the fact that he has imbibed the ability to remain calm under pressure from the former Indian skipper.

India, under Sharma’s leadership, defeated Bangladesh by three wickets in a pulsating Asia Cup 2018 final to clinch the title for the record seventh time on Friday in Dubai.

“Whatever I have seen of him (Dhoni) leading the side for all these years, he never panicked, took time while taking decisions. There are those similarities in me too,” skipper Rohit said in the post-match press conference.

“I also try to first think and then react. Yes, 50-over cricket gives you time but still you need to take time as well. I have learnt this from seeing him, we have played for so many years under his captaincy. Whenever there is something, he is ready with advice.”

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Dhoni didn’t exactly set the Asia Cup on fire with his batting but his smart glovework and strategic interventions were for everyone to see. Dhoni on Friday became the first Asian wicketkeeper to affect 800 or more dismissals in international cricket. He is now third in the list of most dismissals by a keeper in cricket.

“We always keep on learning from Dhoni bhai because he has been such a great captain. Whenever there were questions or doubts on the field, he was always there to answer,” Rohit signed off.

Head coach Ravi Shastri has praised Sharma’s calm demeanour during their victorious Asia Cup campaign, a trait that he has picked up from his illustrious predecessor.  “Rohit was a calming influence and it showed in his captaincy. To keep his intensity going even after the start they (Bangladesh) had, showed he was really cool in every aspect of captaincy,” Shastri said.

The Indian head coach further went on to praise Sharma for making crucial bowling changes in the middle overs that helped Indian in restricting Bangladesh to a total of 222. “The bowling changes he made were really good, to concede just around 100 runs in the last 30 overs, I thought it was brilliant,” the 56-year-old said.

(With PTI inputs)