Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, has secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. Following their victory in Ranchi, which clinched the series for them, captain Rohit Sharma criticised players who are uninterested in playing Test cricket. Rohit subtly targeted players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Reacting to Rohit's comments, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar backed the team captain's stance, echoing his sentiments and issuing a stern message to the players.
"Players who desire to play Test cricket for India should be the only ones considered," Gavaskar said.
"It's solely because of Indian cricket that players are where they are today, and whatever wealth and riches they possess is a contribution of our country's cricket. Therefore, a certain loyalty towards Indian cricket is expected from the players.
"Now, if players start dictating terms like 'I don’t want to play this or that,' Rohit Sharma is right in saying that preference should be given only to those who have the hunger. In my opinion, this is something the selection committee should also keep in mind. However, there shouldn't be a pick and choose based on players' whims," he affirmed.
What did Rohit Sharma say?
Rohit Sharma emphasised the crucial importance of determination and ambition in players selected for Test cricket, stating that only those with a genuine "hunger" for success will be considered for the national team.
Rohit Sharma reflected on the challenges of the longer format of the game. He highlighted the necessity for players to exhibit perseverance and a relentless desire for achievement to excel consistently in Test cricket.
"It's a tough format and if you want success and if you want to excel, then hunger is very important. We will only give chances to the ones, who have that hunger. You eventually get to know who doesn't have that hunger to play Tests," Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
"The ones who want to play, have the hunger to perform, play in tough conditions, will be given preference. If there's no hunger, then there's no point playing them. I don't see anyone who doesn't have that hunger. If you don't make use of opportunities, they will go. The ones who perform and help teams win, they get more attention," Rohit said.
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