Introduction: A Subtle Snub That Sparked a Storm
Cricket fans love a good debate—and former South African batting maestro Hashim Amla just poured gasoline on one of the sport’s most enduring rivalries. In a recent interview, Amla named Rohit Sharma among his top T20 batters in the world today… and pointedly left out Virat Kohli. His exact words? “It’s T20, but still… Rohit is exceptional.”
That “still” carries weight. It acknowledges the format’s volatility while affirming Rohit’s enduring class. With Rohit set to return to the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa starting November 30, Amla’s endorsement couldn’t be better timed. Let’s unpack why the Hashim Amla praises Rohit Sharma comment is resonating far beyond headlines.
Table of Contents
- Amla’s Full Remark: Context and Implications
- Rohit Sharma’s T20 Legacy—Redefined
- Why Kohli Was Left Out: An Analysis
- Rohit Set for ODI Comeback Against South Africa
- What Amla’s Endorsement Signals for Global Perception
- Conclusion: Timing, Taste, and Testimony
- Sources
Amla’s Full Remark: Context and Implications
Speaking to a leading sports channel during a segment on modern T20 batting greats, Amla was asked to name his top three current players in the format. He listed Jos Buttler, Suryakumar Yadav, and then added: “And of course, Rohit Sharma. It’s T20, but still—his timing, placement, and ability to dominate without slogging remain unmatched.”
Notably absent was Virat Kohli, despite his recent T20 World Cup 2024 heroics. While Amla didn’t criticize Kohli, the omission speaks volumes. As a classical technician himself, Amla clearly values elegance and efficiency over pure aggression—qualities he sees in abundance in Rohit .
Rohit Sharma’s T20 Legacy—Redefined
Often overshadowed in recent years by younger power-hitters, Rohit’s T20 credentials are historic:
- Most runs in T20I history (until recently surpassed by Babar Azam)
- Only player with four T20I centuries
- Highest individual T20I score by an Indian (121*)
- Key architect of India’s 2007 and 2024 T20 World Cup campaigns
But beyond stats, it’s his style that impresses purists like Amla. Rohit rarely appears hurried. His sixes flow from timing, not torque—a rarity in today’s launch-angle era .
Why Kohli Was Left Out: An Analysis
This isn’t about form—Kohli scored a match-winning 76 in the T20 World Cup semi-final. But Amla’s lens seems calibrated to bating aesthetics rather than impact alone.
Kohli’s T20 game is built on precision, rotation, and calculated aggression—less reliant on boundaries, more on accumulation. While effective, it lacks the flamboyance Amla appears to admire in Rohit’s cover drives and straight sixes.
Moreover, Rohit’s recent domestic performances (scoring a T20 90* for Mumbai just weeks ago) may have reinforced Amla’s view that he’s still at the top of his game .
Rohit Set for ODI Comeback Against South Africa
Rohit Sharma is expected to rejoin the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series starting November 30 in Durban. He was rested post the T20 World Cup to manage workload, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the white-ball side in his absence.
His return is crucial. India’s middle order has shown fragility without his anchoring presence. Against a potent South African attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, Rohit’s experience will be invaluable—especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon .
What Amla’s Endorsement Signals for Global Perception
When a legend like Hashim Amla—renowned for his own grace under pressure—singles out Rohit, it reinforces a global narrative: Rohit isn’t just a big-hitter; he’s a complete T20 batter.
This kind of respect from international peers matters. It elevates Rohit’s standing beyond fan polls and media hype, placing him in the same conversation as AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle in terms of stylistic influence .
For Indian fans, it’s also a timely reminder that Rohit’s class hasn’t faded—it’s just evolved.
Conclusion: Timing, Taste, and Testimony
The Hashim Amla praises Rohit Sharma moment is more than a soundbite—it’s a nuanced take on batting artistry in the T20 age. By highlighting Rohit’s elegance while omitting Kohli—not out of disrespect, but stylistic preference—Amla has reignited a conversation about what truly defines greatness in modern cricket. As Rohit gears up for his ODI return, this endorsement serves as both validation and motivation.
Sources
- Times of India: Hashim Amla praises Rohit Sharma, omits Kohli
- ESPNcricinfo: T20I Batting Records
- BCCI: Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI squad vs South Africa
- ICC: Rohit Sharma’s T20 Legacy
- [INTERNAL_LINK:rohit-sharma-career-stats]
- [INTERNAL_LINK:india-squad-south-africa-2025]