Some cricketers win matches, some win respect and there are rare few who win hearts inside the dressing room. Leadership in cricket is not just about tactics on the field, it’s about trust, fairness and understanding people. That’s exactly what Ravichandran Ashwin believes separates great captains from the rest.
Ravichandran Ashwin is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest cricketers. The 39-year-old off-spinner from Chennai represented team India for 15 years, from 2010 to 2024. During this time, he played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is, often turning games around single-handedly with his skill and sharp cricketing brain.
R Ashwin had the privilege of playing under several iconic leaders, including MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma.
But when it comes to choosing the best captain he has ever played under, Ashwin believes Rohit Sharma stands above everyone.
In a video from a recent public event that is now going viral, Ashwin shared why Rohit Sharma’s leadership left such a deep impression on him. He described Rohit as a captain who truly cared for every individual in the team and treated everyone fairly.
“Captaincy or leadership, as you may call it, could well be powerful. But it is also a source of responsibility. I have had the opportunity and privilege to play alongside a lot of captains for the Indian team. Made some mistakes, being one myself. But Rohit, the captain, is someone that is truly beyond exceptional,” Ashwin said.
“To have the interest of every single member in your squad in your mind and look after them without the iota of bias is no easy thing. And I have said this before, and I would say this again with Rohit alongside me. Probably the best captain I have played along with ever,” he added.
Here is the video:
Click to watch this video directly on Instagram
Rohit Sharma took charge of India’s white-ball teams in November 2021 after Virat Kohli stepped down as the T20I captain. By early 2022, Rohit was also appointed the Test captain. Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the 2023 World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. The team went on to win the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Although Rohit was removed as India’s ODI captain in October 2025, despite winning the Champions Trophy in his final series as skipper, he continues to represent the Men in Blue in 50-over cricket.
