Rohit Sharma Talks about India World Cup Approach: Indian captain Rohit Sharma underscored the significance of flexibility not only in terms of the batting order but also in the players’ mindset.
Rohit Sharma Talks about India World Cup Approach
Rohit Sharma Talks about India World Cup Approach: During a press conference in New Delhi to announce India’s Asia Cup squad, Rohit Sharma articulated the team’s approach. He stressed the need for every player to embrace the concept of adaptability, allowing them to contribute effectively from various positions in the batting lineup. The captain’s message to the squad was clear: versatility is the key.
As Rohit Sharma Talks about India World Cup Approach, his viewpoint resonates with the sentiments expressed earlier in the week by former India coach Ravi Shastri. Shastri emphasized the notion that no player should be confined to a specific position, and even seasoned players like Virat Kohli should be ready to adapt for the sake of the team’s synergy.
The flexibility Rohit Sharma advocates extends to the mindset as well as the physical batting order. He echoed the sentiment that players should shed the notion of “ownership” of a particular position. Instead, they should be prepared to step up and perform from any slot as the team’s needs dictate. This philosophy of fluidity has been consistently reinforced over the past few years within the team.
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Rohit Sharma cited the example of Axar Patel to illustrate the concept he is championing. He highlighted Axar’s ability to disrupt the opposition with his adaptable style of batting. This quality, in Rohit’s estimation, gave Axar an edge over other players like R Ashwin or Washington Sundar.
The essence of this flexibility revolves around the batting options at positions 8 and 9. Rohit Sharma accentuated that Axar Patel’s prowess in white-ball cricket, particularly in the IPL, makes him a prime candidate for the middle order. Axar’s capability to tackle spinners and his left-handed batting style adds a unique dimension to India’s lineup.
Rohit Sharma clarified that the concept of flexibility doesn’t equate to radical shifts in the batting order. He emphasized that openers remain openers, and designated positions are respected. However, the subtle adaptability within certain positions, especially 4 and 5, is crucial for exploiting match-ups and capitalizing on the team’s strengths.
Ajit Agarkar, India’s chairman of selectors, echoed Rohit Sharma’s sentiments, clarifying that the essence of flexibility lies in the players’ mental outlook. While roles might be defined initially, the dynamic nature of cricket demands the capacity to adjust and respond to changing circumstances. The richness of talent within the team allows for this kind of adaptability.
Rohit Sharma further elaborated that flexibility doesn’t translate into drastic changes, such as sending openers to the lower order or vice versa. It’s about a measured and strategic approach that enhances the team’s overall performance. Rohit reinforced that India’s successful players, including himself, have embraced this concept and demonstrated it in their gameplay.
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In essence, the call for flexibility is not a radical departure from established roles but a nuanced approach that optimizes India’s batting strength.
“When I said flexibility is important, it’s not like I’m implying send the opener at No. 7 or open the batting with Hardik Pandya,” Rohit said. “Shikhar [Dhawan] and Rohit have only opened in the last seven-eight years, Kohli has batted only at three. Youngsters who come in at four-five, it’s important for them to be flexible, batting up and down.”
As Rohit Sharma Talks about India World Cup Approach, he also mentioned KL Rahul, Hardik, and Jadeja’s positional interchange in terms of flexibility.
“In the last four-five years if you look, the opener has opened, No. 3 has batted at three, KL [Rahul] has batted five, Hardik six, [Ravindra] Jadeja seven. Four and five, sometimes if they move up and down, there’s no problem. That much flexibility is important. Our position too when we came in, we batted up and down, I’m talking of that flexibility. It’s not like opener bat at eight and eight opens, we don’t do such mad things. Little bit of flexibility up and down is needed in a team.”
As the Asia Cup 2023 is just a call ahead, it will be very important for India to find the much-needed batting balance.
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