Rohit Sharma Says Can't Keep Everyone Happy As He Drops Massive Hint On India Squad for T20 World Cup 2024
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was the star of the evening for India on Wednesday when India faced Afghanistan in the third and final T20I of the series in Bengaluru. He created a world record by scoring his fifth T20I century becoming the player with the most number of centuries in the format. India posted a massive total of 212/4 after being reduced to 22/4.
Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh added 190 runs for the fifth wicket claiming the record of the highest partnership for India in T20Is. In response, Afghanistan also scored 212/6 and tied the match to take it to a super-over. The first super over was also tied as both teams finished with 16 runs. The match then went to another super over where India won the contest to whitewash Afghanistan 3-0.
Rohit Sharma scored a total of 145 runs in the match including super-overs which is the highest by an Indian in any T20I match. He finished on an unbeaten 121* off 69 deliveries smashing 11 fours and eight sixes. He was duly supported by Rinku Singh who smashed 69 off 39 balls including two fours and six sixes. Rohit scored 13 in the first super over and 11 in the second super over to take his tally of the match to 145 runs.
Speaking to Jio Cinema following their win, Rohit Sharma opened up on the team selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He said that alongside head coach Rahul Dravid, he will try to maintain clarity amongst the group regarding selection. The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to commence on June 1 and will be hosted jointly by the West Indies and the United States. India will start their campaign against Ireland on June 5.
Rohit Sharma Says Team Goal Is The Main Focus While Selecting The Squad
“We have not finalised the 15-member squad but 8-10 players are in our minds. So we will make our combinations according to the conditions. In the West Indies, the conditions are slow, so we’ll have to pick our team accordingly. As far as Rahul Dravid and I are concerned, we’ve tried to maintain clarity. We try to tell them why they’ve been selected or not been selected even after putting in performances,” said Rohit.
India has been placed alongside Ireland, Pakistan, the United States, and Canada in the Group A of the ICC T2o World Cup 2024. Rohit Sharma added that he can’t keep everyone happy with the selection and the team’s goal is the main focus for him while selecting the XI.
“You can’t keep everyone happy, that is what I’ve learnt in my time as captain. You can keep 15 players happy. Then also, only 11 are happy. The four players sitting on the bench also ask why they’re not playing. I’ve learnt that you can’t keep everyone happy, and the focus should be on the team’s goal,” Rohit added.
India will now play England in a five-match Test series starting from January 25. The first Test will be played in Hyderabad and the squad for the first two Tests has been announced for India. The squad for the last three Tests will be announced after the second Test in Vishakhapatnam.
