'Financially we were not that sound, was not like whatever we wanted, we will get' - Rohit Sharma throws light on initial struggles in career

Team India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to lead the side in the eagerly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be held at home from October 5 to November 19. The two-time champions will begin their campaign against Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Rohit recently opened up about the hardships he faced throughout his personal and professional life. The 36-year-old recalled that he didn't belong to a family which was financially sound and he was forced to live with his grandparents during his childhood. 

“Still, as a father now, I can understand the pain and sacrifice. I can imagine it now, how tough it would have been for my parents to leave me then. Being the first child also, they had to take that decision and it was forced. It was not that my mother and father wanted to do this. My grandfather was the boss, he had nine children!

“Financially we were not that sound. It was not like whatever we wanted, we will get it. When my grandfather said something, it was done; he had that kind of respect. It was probably a sensible decision by him, thinking about the future," Rohit said during an interview with The Indian Express.

He further talked about why some players weren't included in the World Cup squad, saying it was a joint decision. He also said that he had experienced the same emotions which the players dropped from the squad go through. Notably, the opening batter had come a long way from being left off the World Cup roster in 2011 to serving as the team's captain in the forthcoming marquee event.

“Ha ha! Well, quite different, but not easy either. But when the thought behind it is clear, for the sake of the team, it has to be done. I contacted those who were not picked. It is very important that players know ki bhai kya chal raha hai (what is the thought behind the decision). Why is anyone dropped? Players do get upset and it’s valid too. I too have gone through the same thing. My agenda is to get the best from the team, however, we can. I’m not the only one who decides which player I want. It is a collective decision," the 36-year-old said.