Team India skipper Rohit Sharma opened up about the importance of communication with the players who have missed a berth for the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup. He expressed that he and Rahul Dravid have spoken to the players, explaining to them the reason for missing out. The Asia Cup 2023 kicks off on Wednesday, August 30 in Multan.
India’s squad for the continental tournament is likely to be the probable squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the team spurred up debates among fans and experts. Skipper Rohit Sharma shared that they have tried to pick the best combination, and have spoken to the players who missed out. He said to PTI,
“While picking the best combination, there will be guys who will miss out for various reasons. Rahul Bhai 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, about 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 a heart-breaking moment for me and I felt what’s left after being dropped from a World Cup squad?” he added.
Rohit Sharma also admitted that his and Rahul Dravid’s decision can go wrong. He said, “Me, coaches, and selectors, take into account all factors like opposition, surfaces, our strengths, their weaknesses, and then reach a common ground. There is every chance that we will not be perfect always. At the end of the day, few individuals make decisions, and we are bound to make mistakes as humans. We won’t always be right.”
“It’s not like, I don’t like this person, so I am dropping him. Captaincy is not based on personal likes and dislikes. If anyone misses out, there is a reason for it. If you are the unlucky one, we can do nothing,” the India skipper added.
Rohit Sharma recalls the 2011 World Cup exclusion
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma also spoke about the ICC 2011 World Cup. He was disappointed as he was dropped from Team India for the mega-event. He revealed that conversation with Yuvraj Singh helped him to overcome disappointment. Rohit expressed that Yuvraj advised him to work hard on his skills to make a comeback.
“I was sad sitting in my room and didn’t know what to do next. I remember Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) calling me to his room and taking me out for dinner. He explained to me how it feels when you are left out. He told me, ‘The best thing is that you have so many years in front of you. As we play in the World Cup, you take this chance to work hard on your game, and skills and make a comeback. There is no way that you won’t play for India or not get a chance to play in the World Cup’.”
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