‘I understand the focus but…’ – Rohit Sharma’s savage reply on being asked about Virat Kohli not featuring in Indian T20I team
Indian team is preparing hard for the upcoming big tournaments like the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. The focus is definitely on the ODI format, as the big tournaments are approaching near. Since November 2022, India has played without their star players in the T20 format. Some of the decisions have been forced, while others have been well calculated.
The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer have not played a T20I after the 2022 World Cup due to injuries. On the other hand, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja have not played a T20i either. After October 2022, the senior players have not played the shortest format for India, as the management has asked them to focus on longer formats so that the youngsters can get some opportunities to showcase their talent.
‘You cannot play everything and be ready for the World Cup’ – Sharma
Recently, the Indian captain was asked why Virat was rested in the T20 format for a long time. Rohit Sharma was quick to reply. “Last year also we did the same thing — the T20 World Cup was there, so we did not play one-day cricket. Now also we are doing the same, the ODI World Cup is there, so we are not playing T20s. You cannot play everything and be ready for the World Cup,” said Sharma.
The decision to rest the seniors, particularly the star batter Virat Kohli, has not gone well with the fans.“We decided this two years ago. Ravindra Jadeja is also not playing T20, you did not ask about him? I understand the focus (On himself and Virat). But Jadeja is also not playing,” added the Indian captain.
“Honestly, I have never won an ODI World Cup, it is a dream to win a World Cup and to be here fighting for it nothing makes me happier than that. You do not get World Cups on a platter; you have to work hard and that is what we have been doing all these years from 2011 till now we all are fighting for it” Sharma concluded.
