Rohit Sharma’s Reaffirmation of Commitment to ODI Format
Rohit Sharma, the stand-in captain of the Indian cricket team, put to rest any speculations about his retirement from the One Day International (ODI) format during a press conference following India’s thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final of the 2024 ODI World Cup. Despite his recent retirement from T20 cricket, where he led India to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup just a few months earlier, Rohit was adamant that he has no plans to step away from ODIs. "I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread going forward," he declared. For a player of his caliber, the dual responsibility of leading the team to two ICC titles in such a short span is a remarkable feat, and his clarity on his future involvement in ODIs underscores his continued passion for the sport.
Celebrating a Team Triumph
Rohit’s leadership and the team’s collective efforts have culminated in a historic achievement for Indian cricket. Winning back-to-back ICC trophies is a rare feat, and doing so undefeated in both formats adds an extra layer of brilliance to their accomplishment. "It is a great team achievement for the team to win two ICC trophies and to go undefeated is icing on the cake," Rohit reflected. "I have seen very few teams that have won two tournaments undefeated. For us, the most important thing was that we come here and prepare, and play the opposition. We used the conditions well and won." This victory not only solidifies India’s dominance in international cricket but also highlights the team’s adaptability and resilience across different formats and playing conditions.
KL Rahul’s Composure Under Pressure
At the post-match presentation, Rohit was quick to commend KL Rahul for his calm and composed batting in a highly pressurized chase. Rahul’s unbeaten 34 off 33 balls in difficult batting conditions played a crucial role in securing India’s victory. Speaking about Rahul’s performance, Rohit said, "Again, a very solid mind. He never gets overawed by pressure around him. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to have him in the middle phase, to try and finish off games for us. With his experience and class, there’s a bit of calmness when he bats." Rahul’s ability to pick the right shots under pressure allowed other batsmen, like Hardik Pandya, to play more freely. This synergy among the batting lineup was a testament to the team’s depth and tactical acumen.
Harnessing Batting Depth for Freedom and Confidence
Rohit’s own performance in the final was a stark demonstration of India’s batting prowess and depth. He and Shubman Gill put on a formidable partnership, adding 105 runs for the first wicket, with Rohit scoring 49 off 40 balls in the powerplay and finishing with 76 off 83 balls. "It makes it a lot easier; it gives you freedom as well," Rohit explained. "Which is why I said earlier as well that we wanted to have batting depth as deep as possible. Jadeja coming at No. 8 gives you the confidence to go slightly hard up front with the new ball. If it comes off, it comes off. If it doesn’t, then so be it. As long as I’m clear in my mind, it’s the most important thing." This strategy not only allowed the team to take calculated risks but also provided a buffer of runs and wickets for the middle and lower order to stabilize the innings.
Spinners’ Excellence on Challenging Pitches
Rohit also praised the spinners for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. India’s four-pronged spin attack, which included Varun Chakravarthy, was a key factor in their success. "Not just this game but right from the beginning, our spinners in particular, there’s too many expectations when you are playing on a pitch like that, but they never disappointed," Rohit stated. "We do understand their strengths, playing on pitches like these helped and we used it to our advantage. Throughout the tournament, in terms of bowling, we were very consistent." Varun Chakravarthy, who was not initially part of the preliminary squad of 15, proved to be a game-changer. He finished the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in three innings, at an impressive average of 15.11 and an economy rate of 4.53. His five-for in the third group match against New Zealand was particularly pivotal.
Varun Chakravarthy: A Hidden Gem
Rohit’s insights into Varun Chakravarthy’s role in the team shed light on the player’s unique abilities. "He has got something different about him," Rohit observed. "When we are playing on such pitches, we want the batters to do something different and that’s when he becomes a lot more dangerous. He didn’t start off in the tournament for us, but when he played against New Zealand and picked up a five-for, we saw the kind of ability he possesses. We wanted to maximise that, and he didn’t disappoint. He’s got great quality in his bowling, luckily it came to use a various times." Varun’s inclusion in the squad was a last-minute addition, but his performances were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt and integrate players to meet the demands of the game.
