India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, addressing the media ahead of the South Africa series, opened up about the challenging year for the team, marked by losses in key ICC events.
After reaching the finals of the ICC Men’s World Test Championship and the Cricket World Cup, the Indian team faced setbacks against Australia on both occasions. Rohit admitted the World Cup loss was tough to digest, especially after the flawless performance leading up to the final.
While acknowledging the team’s shortcomings in the crucial match, Rohit emphasized the difficulty of recovering from such a defeat. He expressed gratitude for the external encouragement received post the World Cup, which motivated him to bounce back.
Rohit avoided directly comparing the upcoming South Africa series with the World Cup but acknowledged its significance. Winning the series would be a significant achievement, though he noted that a World Cup loss remains unparalleled.
The skipper highlighted the rich history of the South Africa series, stating that a victory would be a deserving reward for the team’s hard work. He emphasized the collective desperation for a win, not just from senior players but everyone in the squad.
The focus on individual motivations and external encouragement may not be sufficient to address the team’s consistent struggle in ICC events.