Playing Without Hunger is Pointless: passionate Rohit Sharma expresses frustration, discusses Team's chances

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:51:22 GMT

Rohit Sharma Sends a Clear Message to Youngsters: Emphasizes the Importance of Hunger for Test Cricket Amid BCCI’s Push for Centrally Contracted Players’ Participation in Domestic Matches.

Rohit Sharma’s Candid Stance on Hunger for Test Cricket

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma delivered a clear message to aspiring youngsters who lack the passion for Test cricket amidst the BCCI’s initiative to ensure the participation of all centrally contracted players in domestic matches. Recent discussions have revolved around Ishan Kishan’s absence from Ranji Trophy matches despite directives from the board and Shreyas Iyer’s decision to skip Mumbai’s match despite being deemed injury-free by the National Cricket Academy. When questioned about the enthusiasm of youngsters for Test cricket, Rohit candidly expressed his viewpoint following India’s victory over England in Ranchi.

“We will provide opportunities only to those who are hungry,” Rohit asserted, indicating that the team management is uninterested in accommodating players who lack a fervent desire to excel.

“If there is no hunger, then there is no point in playing them,” he remarked.

Rohit’s remarks closely followed a directive from the BCCI urging players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer to participate in Ranji Trophy matches, a directive that the duo disregarded.

“I don’t see anyone in the team lacking hunger. All the boys here, as well as those who aren’t, aspire to play. However, in Test cricket, opportunities are scarce. If you don’t seize them, they slip away,” he emphasized.

Emerging Talents Shine Under Rohit’s Guidance

In the first innings, his knock of 90 propelled India close to England’s total of 353, while his partnership of 72 runs with Shubman Gill in the second innings provided crucial stability during tense moments in the run chase.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep also left their mark as emerging talents in the series. “It’s been a fiercely contested series, so emerging victorious is immensely satisfying. Despite numerous challenges, we remained composed and found solutions. These young players are eager to be here, having honed their skills in the domestic and local club circuits before making it to this stage,” remarked Rohit.

Acknowledging the challenges, he continued, The responses I receive from them are promising. We need to create an environment conducive to their growth. Mere discussions won’t suffice; they are determined in their objectives.