Stern Message to Rohit Sharma for Players Before the World Cup 2023 Campaign
During the World Cup 2023, the presence of a genuine quick bowler like Hardik Pandya will certainly allow India to explore options of playing three specialist spinners, says Captain Rohit Sharma before the opening game against Australia on Sunday. Asked if he is going on playing the troika of slow operators, Rohit replied, "Yeah, I mean, that's the luxury we have where we can afford to play three spinners because I don't really consider Hardik Pandya as just a seamer.”
“Hardik is a proper fast bowler who can crank up good speed. So, that gives us an advantage. That gives us the luxury of playing three spinners and three seamers as well. So, there's a possibility of that.”
Rohit believes in consistency in playing eleven and hence indicated that 9 or 10 players, permitting fitness, will play all games, but the best playing eleven will be based on conditions.
"We definitely want to be a team where we want to play the best 11, but you can pick your best 11 based on the conditions that you have in front of you. Where there is a bit of assistance for the slower bowlers, you need to bring in those slower bowlers.
He further said, “So, the core of the team will remain the same. Your 8, 9, and 10 players will remain the same. There will be one or two changes here and there, which you've got to be ready to accept and take into your stride and move forward."
"No one should have personal preferences. It's the team that matters, and the team's goal that matters."