The performance of the Indian team in recent years was really disappointing, especially in the big events like; ICC T20 World Cup, ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, or Asia Cup, whether 20 overs or 50 overs.
Looking at the player’s performances, run machine Virat Kohli and hitman Rohit Sharma have been the pillars of the Indian team for 5-8 years. But if a team of 11 players depends on just two player’s performance, then it will be very tough to win the match in the big event because runs don’t always come from their bat, and they can’t play a heroic knock daily, rest of the player should also give their best.
Looking at this issue, 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev stated that it would be better for the Indian team if they didn’t show their hopes on just Virat and Rohit to win the world cup. If you want to win the world whole coaching staff, including selectors, should make tough decisions, and all the team players should give their full efforts in winning.
“If you want to win the World Cup, the coach, selectors, and team management must make tough decisions. Personal interests will have to take a backseat, and they will need to consider the team. If you think Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and 2-3 players will win us the World Cup, that’s never going to happen. It would be best if you believed in your team. Do we have such a team? Definitely. Do we have certain match winners? Yes, of course! We have players who can win the World Cup,” said former Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev.
The current form of India’s all-format skipper could have been better. He scored his last ton two years back. And the performance of Virat in 2022 was marvelous, but he took three years to hit an ODI ton, which he hit in the last series against Bangladesh.
Speaking on this, Kapil Dev explained if you want to win the world, your team must have 5-6 players who can perform like the pillars of the team; otherwise, if the team starts depending on just two players, then it will become tough. Now it’s time for the youngster to show their talent and become the pillars of team blue.
“There are always a couple of players who turn out to be the pillars of your side. The team revolves around them, but we need to break that and build at least 5-6 players like that. That’s why I say you can’t depend on Virat and Rohit. You need players who fulfill each of their responsibilities. The youngsters will need to come forward and say, ‘it is our time,” the legendary all-rounder further added.
The career of both the veteran batter Virat and Rohit is just amazing. They have been regulating team performance for 10 years. And now everyone is asking for their retirement date because their age is almost 37-38 and after this upcoming world, they have to work hard to stay fit.
“The biggest positive is that the World Cup will happen in India. Nobody knows the conditions better than we do. For the last 8-10 years, Rohit and Virat have been two of the most important cricketers for India. Many have asked if this will be Virat and Rohit’s last World Cup. I believe they can play, but they will need to work hard. Fitness will play a key role. There are a lot of youngsters coming up. Will they be able to compete with them? There is a question mark, but it depends on how they want to play their game. There is no shortage of ability,” he added.
Both the senior batter have rested in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and will return to the cricket ground in the ODI series against the Sri-Lanka starting on 10th January 2023.
