On Monday, August 21, the Indian cricket fraternity witnessed the unveiling of the team for Asia Cup 2023. The stage was set in New Delhi, where captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar met the press, delving into the thought process underpinning the selection for the eminent continental contest.
Amidst the various queries thrown at them, one significant question focused on India's team blend for the impending ODI World Cup, slated for October and November. A discerning comparison was drawn between the present side and the victorious 2011 World Cup squad. The 2011 team's strength lay in the upper-order batters who doubled up as part-time bowlers, an asset conspicuously absent in the current line-up.
Addressing this observation, Sharma emphasised the uniqueness of the 2011 squad, highlighting their special talents in both batting and bowling. He candidly commented, "That 2011 team possessed individuals who could both bat and deliver with the ball. In contrast, our current approach is to optimally utilise the talents available to us. We select the best performers and give them their rightful chances. You simply cannot conjure a batter who bowls out of thin air."
The skipper then lightened the mood, jesting that if push came to shove, both he and Virat Kohli might showcase their bowling prowess in the ODI World Cup. "Most of these players are here because of their run-scoring feats. Yet, perhaps we might see a scenario where Kohli and I roll our arms in the World Cup," Sharma quipped, drawing chuckles from the audience.
Adding a dash of humour to the conversation, Agarkar playfully intimated that he had persuaded the seasoned players of the team to consider this strategy. His jovial endorsement of Sharma's comment added a light-hearted touch to the serious business of team selection, reminding everyone that cricket, at its core, remains a sport to be enjoyed by players and spectators alike.
