Captain Rohit Sharma is the real hero for Team India in Cricket World Cup: Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has expressed admiration for Rohit Sharma, branding him the "real hero" responsible for reshaping the culture of the Indian cricket team through a display of "fearless cricket" in the current World Cup.

India had faced criticism for adopting a timid approach in the last two T20 World Cups, failing to progress beyond the Super-12 stages in 2021 and succumbing to England in the semifinals in the previous edition.

However, India's performance in the ongoing World Cup has been relentless, securing their spot in the final after ten consecutive victories, the latest being a commanding 70-run triumph over New Zealand in the semifinals.

While acknowledging standout performances from Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammad Shami, Hussain emphasized Rohit Sharma's pivotal role in changing the team's culture.

"The headlines tomorrow will be about (Virat) Kohli, will be about Shreyas Iyer, and will be about Mohammad Shami. But the genuine hero of this Indian side, who has changed the culture of this Indian side is Rohit Sharma," Hussain stated on Sky Sports.

Highlighting a pivotal moment, Hussain referred to a conversation between Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma during the T20 World Cup semifinal against England in Adelaide, where a commitment to alter their playing style was discussed.

In the recent semifinal, Kohli's record-breaking century and Iyer's aggressive innings set up India's commanding total of 397 for 4, leading to New Zealand's dismissal for 327, with Mohammed Shami claiming seven wickets.

Throughout the tournament, India's batting unit, led by Rohit Sharma's aggressive approach, has set the tone for the team's attacking style of play.

Hussain praised Rohit for delivering a clear message to the team, demonstrating that a fearless approach would be maintained in the knockout stages as well. Rohit's quickfire 29-ball 47 in the semifinal further solidified his impact.

India is set to face the winner of the second semifinal between South Africa and Australia in the final on Sunday.

(With PTI inputs)