NEWS
Follow UsOn the back of a terrible series whitewash against South Africa, the pressure is on India to find the right combination going into the 2023 ODI World Cup season. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the South Africa series with injury returns to the team.
Ahead of the first ODI, the Indian skipper revealed that his plans are to get Kuldeep Yadav slowly into the white-ball scheme of things after a massive fall from the top of the spinners ladder. Before his axing from the squad, Yadav formed a great partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal, with the duo picking up 87 and 66 wickets respectively for the country in the two-year period after 2017 Champions Trophy.
"He (Kuldeep) hasn't played a lot of games after that, so we want to get him in slowly. We just do not want him to rush into things and it cannot do good for either the team and also for him," Rohit's statement is an indicator that he might be drafted in slowly.
"It is certainly on my mind to get them back together, Kuldeep specially, he hasn't played since IPL, he was part of IPL team but then he got injured, and then he was out since then. We straightaway don't want to put him into a situation where we are asking too much of him also. I think for us, it's important we handle that situation carefully. For us, very important players both of these guys."
The need for role clarity
The 34-year-old stressed upon the importance of role clarity for certain individuals in the squad. The Indian skipper also insisted that he would have ‘conversations’ with the individuals over the series on the same.
"It is always important that everyone comes together and plays that role that has been given to them. What is important for us, moving forward is the role clarity of certain individuals in the squad," Rohit added.
"I think, if we can, you know, put that in place and talk to the individual about it, I think, we can get what we want from different individuals at different points in time of need," he added.
However, Rohit was unfazed about India’s loss in the Rainbow nation, suggesting that the team will need to adapt to the differing match situations.
"It is just that certain understandings and certain learning we need to take in our game. The South Africa series was a great learning for us as to what we didn't do collectively. It cannot always happen with one or two guys stepping up," added Rohit.
Rohit on workload management
The Indian skipper also stressed massively on giving a break to ‘tired’ cricketers, giving game time to players who are trying to break through in the system. Rohit played down the 'Test leadership' role, stating that there is still time for that.
"This work-load management is a serious thing and it is not that we just speak about it. Considering the number of matches we are playing, staying continuously in the bubble, travelling in COVID time, it is important that we give many players a chance, keep rotating."
"At the end of the day, the World Cup is important for us and how to prepare for that. We need to keep players fresh and injury free, that's most important for us. At the same time, we want to make sure we play best cricket also."
