Leader Rohit Sharma: Setting Perfect Example With 'Impact' Instead Of Numbers

A day before the 2017 IPL final between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Super Giants, Rohit Sharma had to take a tough decision. Two-time champion MI skipper Rohit was gunning for a hat-trick of titles and had to choose between leg-spinner Karn Sharma or senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who had his best days behind him but was still a force to reckon with in big games. Rohit went to Harbhajan's hotel room, spoke to him about the possible team combination he is planning to field and ensured that the feisty 'Turbanator' doesn't feel hurt or insulted on missing out on IPL final.

That is what Rohit brings to the table as a captain of a high-stakes national team in a ruthless world of professional sport -- the human element in a universe where end justifies the means.

The final result is always sacrosanct but there are characters, who can't be judged by results and Rohit falls in that category.

The manner in which he has led the Indian team, you want him to stay as long as his mind and body allows him to shoulder the responsibility.

Before the World Cup in an exclusive interview to PTI, Rohit had spoken how he wanted to create memories during the World Cup with this team.

And 25 days into the tournament, there is now doubt that the Indian skipper is walking the talk and leading from the front with his inspirational knocks.

Kapil Dev was a doer, Mohammed Azharuddin was aloof, Sourav Ganguly was all instincts, Rahul Dravid was more into methods, MS Dhoni was a general with firm grip and Virat Kohli is the alpha-male everyone looks up to.

So where does Rohit fit in among the Indian captains, who have led the country in previous World Cups since 1983? Rohit will always be there as someone who was, is and will remain a 'Players'