Asia Cup 2022: India captain Rohit Sharma looks to break Shahid Afridi's record for most sixes
India Today
Rohit Sharma, who will lead India in the Asia Cup, has an opportunity to also become the first batter from the country to complete 1000 runs in the continental tournament. India begin their campaign against Pakistan on Sunday, August 25.
It's almost time for the Asia Cup, the premier continental tournament which is being held for the first time since 2018. The Asia Cup in the UAE offers a golden opportunity for the sub-continent teams to have high-octane preparation in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, starting in October in Australia.
All eyes will be on Team India as they will be looking to put behind the disappointment of the early exit from T20 World Cup and make good use of their recent form. Rohit Sharma, who took over from Virat Kohli as India's full-time captain across all formats earlier this year, already has led India to Asia Cup glory in 2018 but this will be the first time the Mumbai Indians captain will lead the team in the continental tournament in T20 format.
While marshalling the troops efficiently will be on Rohit Sharma's mind in the lead up to his captaincy debut at a World Cup, the skipper also is on the verge of achieving a couple of major milestones in the Asia Cup.
Rohit Sharma has a good opportunity to break former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi's record for the most number of sixes hit in Asia Cup. Afridi is on top of the list with 26 sixes in 27 matches. Rohit needs 6 more big hits to take the pole position.
Rohit Sharma will be playing his 28th match in Asia Cup when India take on Pakistan in their opening match in Dubai on Sunday, August 28. It will also be the first time Rohit will lead India against their arch-rivals in the T20 format.
Furthermore, Rohit Sharma also has the opportunity to become the first India batter to score 1,000 runs in the Asia Cup. Rohit has 883 runs in 27 matches while Sachin Tendulkar ended his career with 971 runs in the Asia Cup 23 matches.
Former Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for the most runs with 1220 runs in 25 matches at a staggering average of over 50 and a strike rate of over 100. Kumar Sangakkara is at the 2nd spot with 1075 runs in 24 matches.
