Team India captain Rohit Sharma displayed his characteristic wit during the press conference discussing the selected squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The session took place at the BCCI headquarters on Thursday, May 2, with the presence of selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar.
A broad range of topics were discussed regarding the squad’s composition, including the inclusion and exclusion of certain members. One journalist pointed out the absence of an off-spinner, despite Team India’s decision to select four spinners over other players.
In response to the question, Sharma humorously raised his hand, signalling his role as an off-spinner in the squad, which elicited a chuckle from Ajit Agarkar.
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Rohit Sharma’s bowling abilities have been discussed in press conferences before. After the announcement of the Asia Cup 2023 squad, concerns were raised about the lack of part-time bowlers compared to the 2011 World Cup squad.
In response, Agarkar expressed hope that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would contribute with their bowling in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Sharma indeed bowled during a league stage match against the Netherlands, delivering the final over and dismissing Teja Nidamanuru.
The captain explained that due to Washington Sundar’s limited playing opportunities, the choice for the fourth spin option boiled down to Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin, with the former ultimately being selected.
Rohit Sharma’s last T20I bowling spell was in 2012
Once a dependable off-spinner in his early career, the skipper had to limit his bowling duties due to a finger injury. He played a significant role with the ball in the Deccan Chargers’ IPL victory in 2009, even achieving a rare hat-trick against his future franchise, the Mumbai Indians (MI).
He also bowled for the national team, claiming one wicket in nine appearances, with his last bowling stint occurring during the 2012 T20 World Cup.
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