Mohammad Yousuf's 2-word reaction to Rohit Sharma's 'hunger' statement goes viral

Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf found nothing wrong and everything right when Indian skipper Rohit Sharma sent a clear message to all the youngsters out there to have zeal and hunger for Test cricket. And that will perhaps be the factor upon which players will be selected for the national red-ball team going forward. Fans on social media are claiming that Rohit’s comments were a direct dig at players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.

Bothe Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have constantly snubbed their state teams that are participating in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024. Players have either said they are injured or opt out of the tournament by giving silly excuses with the mental health break being the most prominent one. Rohit Sharma being the captain of the team, was supposed to make such comments but no one knew that day would come yesterday.

Mohammad Yousuf backs Rohit Sharma

While addressing the media after India’s 5-wicket win over England in the 4th Test at Ranchi, Rohit did not hold himself back. He cryptically lashed out at every player who depends upon IPL performances in order to receive national team call-ups.

That also triggered reactions from many former cricketers around the world and Mohammad Yousuf was no exception who wrote, “Well said”.

Wel said https://t.co/MwpSajcuT2

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) February 27, 2024

“This (Tests) is the toughest format. And if you want success and want to excel in this tough format then you need that hunger. It is very important. We will give opportunity only to players who have that hunger. You come to know easily the players who don’t have that hunger or players who don’t want to stay here and play this format. We come to know that,” Rohit Sharma told reporters in JSCA stadium.

“Players who have that hunger, players who want to stay here and perform and play in tough conditions, we will give preference to them. Obviously, it is pretty simple: if you don’t have hunger, there’s no meaning playing such players,” Rohit added. 

A couple of days ago, BCCI honorable Secretary Jay Shah also lashed out at those players who are reluctant to represent their state teams in the Ranji Trophy. He clearly stated that players would be selected for the senior side only on the basis of their domestic performance. He was pretty critical about the infamous trend of snubbing the Ranji Trophy to solely focus on the cash-laden Indian Premier League.

Rohit Sharma and Co. aiming to close the series 4-1 in Dharamshala

Meanwhile, after claiming their 17th straight home Test series win yesterday, Rohit Sharma and Co. will be aiming to close the series on a high note. And it means that the Indians will be looking at nothing less than another victory in the 5th Test and make the series 4-1.

The final Test is slated to take place at the scenic venue of HPCA stadium in Dharamshala, which is surrounded by the Himalayas. The venue hosted only one Test match back in 2017 when India defeated Australia by 8 wickets in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy.