Rohit Sharma was named as the next ODI skipper of the Indian team by the BCCI last week. The ODI series against South Africa will be his first assignment in his new role. He was also elevated to the position of Test vice=-captain for the Test series against the Proteas. India play a three-match Test and three-match ODI series starting from December 26 with the first Test in Centurion.
In his first interview with the BCCI after being named as ODI captain, Rohit Sharma opened up on his vision with the Indian team. He has previously spoken about the importance of winning ICC titles for this team. India won their last ICC Title back in 2013 under MS Dhoni.
What We Think Of Each Other Is Important: Rohit Sharma
🗣️🗣️ "The pressure will always be there. As a cricketer, it is important to focus on my job."
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“It is important for us to focus on what we have in hand, which is to go and win games. Play like you are known to play. The talks on the outside are immaterial for us.
“When you are playing for India, there will always be high pressure. But for me, personally, as a cricketer, it is important for me to focus on my job, not to focus on what people are talking around because you can’t control that. And that is the message to the team as well. Even the team understands that. When we are playing a high profile tournament, there will be a lot of talks” Rohit further added.
Rohit also opened up on working with Rahul Dravid. Dravid was signed by the team management to replace Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup. He won his first Test and T20I series against New Zealand recently.
Working With Rahul Bhai Is Fantastic: Rohit Sharma
“It’s important what we think of each other. We want to create a strong bond between the players and that is what will help us do what we want to. And Rahul bhai (Dravid) will help us achieve that,” said Rohit.
“Working with Rahul Bhai, even though it was only three odd games, it was fantastic. We’ve seen how he’s played his cricket; very tough and hard. And at the same time, there’s a sense of relaxation as well. It’s important to keep the atmosphere light and cheerful. When you’re doing a job on the field that is so demanding, you need to have an atmosphere where people can relax and chill around” Rohit concluded saying.