‘Not focusing on ODI World Cup right now,’ says Rohit Sharma ahead of BANvsIND 1st ODI: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has made a bold statement relating to the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 which will be held in India. Sharma reckons that the World Cup is still 8-9 months away and the team isn’t focusing on it as of now, although they have got a fair idea of what they need from the event.
The ongoing India tour of Bangladesh 2022 will be crucial for Indians as it will mark the beginning of World Cup 2023 preparations. The next world cup is scheduled in India and the conditions as well as pitches in India closely resemble what Bangladesh offers.
Moreover, all the senior players will be in action against Bangladesh following the long haul. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul will be seen in action once again after a long time in the ODIs.
Notably, the ODI World Cup 2023 will be held across India in October-November. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma thinks that it’s too early to think about an event that is 9-10 months away.
“I mean, see, every time we play a game, it’s a preparation for something that is going to come in the future. But the World Cup is still 8-9 months from now. We cannot think so far ahead.” Rohit said ahead of the first ODI in Dhaka.
However, the 35-year-old cricketer mentioned that the team would definitely do all the things that are needed to improve so that they can head to the World Cup fully prepared and equipped.
“But yeah, we will keep an eye on what we need to do as a team, where we can improve, and how it comes along for us. I think it’s very, very important for us not to start thinking about so many things about the World Cup; this is the combination, that is the combination, we need to play this guy, that guy.
Although every series is a preparation for a future event, once inch closer to the World Cup, the management will narrow down their plans and strategies for the World Cup 2023, added the Indian captain.
“I and the coach have a fair idea about what we want to do and we will narrow it down once we get closer to the World Cup. But I think we just want to play cricket, play good cricket until the World Cup comes up. But first, winning the series is what we are looking at. We are looking at one game at a time and seeing how we can play well in that game. And then think about the second and third. So, thinking too far ahead sometimes doesn’t help.”
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