"Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami Will Not Be With Indian Team Forever": Rohit Sharma On Creating Bench Strength

18.08.2022 - 06:59 sports.ndtv.com

With the 2022 T20 World Cup starting in little over two months' time, the preparations are on full swing for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team.

That India have not won an ICC title since 2013, adds extra significance to the mega-event that will be held in Australia. Considering that, Team India is playing in a series of international tours to get their act right on the biggest stage.

Several young players have been given opportunities in recent times with an eye to create back-up for the senior players. Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma said that creating a good bench strength is a priority for the management. "(Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami and all these guys will not be with the Indian team forever, so you have to try and prepare the other guys.

Myself and Rahul (Dravid) bhai spoke about how we are going to create our bench strength because that's going to be very crucial considering the amount of cricket we play, considering the injury factors and everything," Sharma was quoted as saying by Indian Express. "We never want to be a team that relies on one or two individuals, we want to be a team where everyone can contribute and help the team win on their own.

cricket India Cricket Team on Rohit Sharma Jasprit Bumrah Mohammad Shami Australia Zimbabwe India

The T20 World Cup is less than two months away and all the teams are gearing up for the mega-contest. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is also getting ready for the contest with some top-level series, including the Asia Cup. India have not won any ICC title since the 2013 Champions Trophy, and all eyes would be on Rohit's side to end that drought. In the last few months, several Indian players have performed well in the T20 format, and Hardik Pandya features prominently among them. So, when Ricky Ponting was asked on 'The ICC Review'to name the top-five players that he would select while going for a World T20I team, Pandya was one of the first picks.

"The Kind Of Innings He Played, Words Will Be Short": Rohit Sharma On Suryakumar Yadav

India skipper Rohit Sharma said he was lost for words that would appropriately describe Suryakumar Yadav's 26-ball 68 against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup here on Wednesday. Suryakumar smashed six sixes and as many fours in his sizzling knock to lift India to 192 for two, enough to secure a 40-run win and a place in the Super 4 stage of the tournament. "The kind of innings he played today, the words will be short," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

Asia Cup 2022: Why Hardik Is Not Playing Against Hong Kong? Rohit Sharma Explains

There was surprise in store at the toss of the India-Hong Kong match at the Asia Cup, as skipper Rohit Sharma announced that Hardik Pandya was not included in the XI. Hardik was the 'Player of the Match' in the clash against Pakistan as he contributed both with the ball and the bat to take his team over the line. Against Hong Kong, however, Rishabh Pant made a comeback into the side while Hardik was rested.

"Let Us Also Keep Some Secrets": Rohit Sharma On Who Will Open For India vs Pakistan In Asia Cup 2022

India captain Rohit Sharma has a reputation of coming up with funny responses in press conferences and has often left the room in splits with his quick wit. On the eve of India's Asia Cup 2022 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, Rohit attended a press conference and was asked about India's opening combination for the much awaited clash. In recent times, India have experimented with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav at the top of the order, while Virat Kohli has in the past opened with Rohit Sharma.

Jasprit Bumrah Shares Mirror Selfie With Sanjana Ganesan. The Caption Will Melt Your Heart

Jasprit Bumrah is missing out India's campaign at the Asia Cup 2022 due to injury but the pacer has made sure he utilizes his recovery time in the best way possible. Days back, Bumrah had uploaded a video on social media in which he was seen doing exercises for his recovery. He is also ensuring that he spends time with family. On Saturday, the right-arm pacer uploaded a cute picture with wife Sanjana Ganesan. While the picture had both Bumrah and Ganesan all smiles while looking at each other's face, the bowler's caption made it more adorable.

"Look At Him As First Choice": Former India Pacer Names Player Who Can Be Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami's Backup

Former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji feels Deepak Chahar should've played for the team in the Asia Cup, especially considering that star fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will miss the tournament. While Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury, the Indian selectors decided not to pick Shami. Meanwhile, Chahar, who made a return to the side after a long injury lay-off during the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, has been named as a reserve player for the Asia Cup.