I want to get into the phase I was in before the 2019 World Cup: Rohit Sharma

Current India skipper Rohit Sharma was incredible in the last edition of the ODI World Cup. The opener hit 648 runs in nine matches and finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament. Thus, ahead of the upcoming edition of the tournament, the cricketer wants to get back into the same phase and help the national team win the title, as the tournament is slated to begin on October 5.

Speaking about the tournament, Rohit mentioned that he was very relaxed and was in good shape and mindset ahead of the World Cup and is recollecting all these to apply the same in the 2023 edition of the competition. Notably, Rohit will feel the pressure this time around, especially with India not winning a single ICC trophy in the last ten years. On top of that, playing on home turf will only add extra pressure. Hence, the skipper wants to prepare mentally well ahead of that.

“For me, it is important how I keep myself relaxed and not worry about external factors that play a role, whether positively or not negatively. I want to shut out everything. I want to get into the phase I was in before the 2019 World Cup,” Rohit was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

“I was in great frame of mind and prepared really well for the tournament. I was in good shape good mindset. I want to bring that back and I have time to do that. Trying to recollect what were the right things that I was doing before the 2019 World Cup as a cricketer and as a person. I want to revisit that thought-process of mine personally,” the skipper added.

We talk to players who haven’t been picked: Rohit

Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the Asia Cup squad has created a lot of controversy, especially with India not having any right-arm spinners in the mix. Speaking about exclusions, Rohit stated that the team management always speaks to players who are not getting picked and explains to them the reason behind the decision. 

“While picking the best combination, there will be guys who will miss out for various reasons and Rahul bhai (Dravid) and I have tried our best to explain to the players why they are not in the squad. We have tried to communicate with the players after every selection and playing XI that has been announced. We talk to them face to face, one-on-one why they have not been picked.

“Sometimes, I try and put myself in their shoes. When I wasn't picked in 2011, it was such heart-breaking moment for me and I felt what's left after being dropped from a World Cup squad?" Rohit mentioned.