As the 2023 ODI World Cup looms on the horizon, the Indian cricket team is intensifying its final preparations. Following a victorious conclusion to the ODI series against West Indies, there is a notable absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma and former Indian skipper Virat Kohli in the last two games.
This strategic move suggests that the Indian team management is formulating a contingency plan. Addressing the situation, Rohit Sharma has emphasized that no player is guaranteed a spot in the World Cup squad.
“Nobody has an automatic selection, not even myself. We operate with the philosophy that no one’s position is secure. We can’t assume that someone’s spot is guaranteed,” Rohit remarked. “Certain players might have a fair idea that they will be playing, but currently, these three ODIs in the West Indies served as an excellent opportunity to assess a few players. Similarly, in the upcoming Asia Cup, we’ll face strong opponents,” he explained.
Scheduled to commence on August 30, the Asia Cup will feature India squaring off against Pakistan on September 2. Rohit also shared insights into India’s injury concerns. “Shreyas and KL are returning after four months of inactivity due to major injuries and surgeries. Having experienced surgery myself, I understand how demanding the recovery process can be. We must observe how they respond and adapt,” he stated.
“In the upcoming selection meeting, we’ll engage in thorough discussions on our options. However, it’s crucial to understand that no player enjoys an automatic berth; they must all compete for their positions, whether it’s at the top or bottom of the order.”
Elaborating further, Rohit highlighted his desire for some Indian players to perform under pressure to develop resilience for the long run. “While winning remains a priority, we’re also seeking answers to several questions. In the Asia Cup, my intention is to witness certain players performing under pressure against high-caliber teams,” he asserted.
“I’m keen on observing these aspects. We’ll wait to see how things unfold, but having a diverse pool of players is always advantageous compared to relying on just one or two names. Above all, their fitness is of utmost importance,” Rohit continued. “Both Rahul and Iyer have dedicated four months to training at the NCA, showing positive progress. We’re cautiously optimistic and keeping our fingers crossed,” he concluded.