India didn't have a good outing in 2022 as they first missed their shot on Asia Cup and then the all-important T20 World Cup. But after their dismal show in 2022, the Men in Blue kicked off the 2023 on a winning note. Veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, who are in twilight of their respective careers, would look to end India's 10-year-long drought of any ICC trophy with WTC 2021-2023 final and ODI World Cup 2023 around the corner.
So far so good, Team India have performed well in 2023. Meanwhile, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar made a wish to Rohit Sharma's brigade as he wants Indian team to win win two important titles. One is to win the World Test Championship 2021-2023 trophy and the second is to win the ODI World Cup 2023 which will be played later this year.
“When you see a champion being felicitated, you also want to be one. And when your athletes are improving their personal bests, that is when you know everything is on the right track. There are two titles that I'd like the Indian men's team to win — one is the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup is the other. There is, of course, the Asia Cup in between these two. If that comes back to India, nothing quite like it," Gavaskar told Sportstar in a recent interaction.
India have put up a dominant show in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series where they are leading the four-match Test series 2-0 with two matches to spare. Another victory for the team in the remaining two matches will book their spot in the WTC final. Team India will also set their sights on the ODI World Cup 2023 title which will be hosted in India.
Meanwhile, Gavaskar also lambasted Pakistan cricketers for criticising Indian players.
"When two of the top-ranked teams play against each other, then sparks are bound to fly. However, since the IPL began, the animosity between players of the two teams has lessened considerably while the intensity hasn't reduced one bit and that's how it should be. Sharing the same change room, hotels and travelling to different venues over a period of six weeks to play has made the players get to know each other better, understand the different cultures and attitudes and approaches to the game," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.
"While there will always be a bit of banter between players, the angry and sometimes vulgar exchanges are a thing of the past. Today, if there are any such issues, it's invariably between players who don't play the IPL and thus have a bit of resentment towards the Indian players who play against them. Some of them believe that their achievements are such that they should be getting more than the Indian player, who gets millions through the IPL," he added.
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