“Arre baad me phodo yaar, World Cup jeetne ke baad me phodo,” was India skipper Rohit Sharma‘s humorous response after his first reply within the post-match press convention was interrupted for nearly a minute due to crackers going off in Colombo.
India had simply thrashed Sri Lanka to win the Asia Cup on the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday and the Indian skipper was satisfied. Removed from how he was when India boarded the flight to journey to Sri Lanka. Together with their kitbags, the crew members could have travelled with apprehension too.
Jasprit Bumrah was getting back from a prolonged lay-off as have been Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. There have been considerations concerning the middle-order too.
Nonetheless, after Sunday, issues look to be falling in place for the World Cup, which India will host from October 5.
IND vs SRI LANKA ASIA CUP 2023 FINAL: India lifts Asia Cup after 5 years, Sri Lanka all out at 50
Rohit was completely happy that within the Asia Cup, India have been examined by sturdy opposition in several aspects of their video games.
“The way in which Hardik and Ishan performed vs Pakistan (group stage in Pallekele) after we have been 66 for four and the maturity, they confirmed to play the best way they wished to play. We have been relaxed within the dressing room. KL Rahul’s hundred vs Pakistan (Tremendous 4, Premadasa) after being knowledgeable on the final minute that he was within the enjoying XI. Virat’s hundred and the best way Kuldeep Yadav bowled vs Pakistan and whereas defending 213 vs Sri Lanka and the best way our pacers have bowled, makes you content,” Rohit defined.
The Asia Cup triumph would style candy for participant of the collection Kuldeep too as he has been tirelessly engaged on a reworked run-up and motion. “Loving my bowling proper now,” he mentioned. “It isn’t about wickets however simply worrying about lengths. I’ve labored onerous on that. Credit score goes to Rohit bhai. He inspired me to work on my pace,” he added.
There was plenty of give attention to Rahul’s return to the aspect and understandably so, however he got here via with flying colors with each bat and ball and confirmed that he most likely has the best sport to counter left-arm spin, one thing not too many Indian gamers can lay declare to proper now.
Rahul admitted to having self-doubts after a niggle compelled him to overlook the Pallekele leg of the match. However he mentioned he’s in a greater house now. “I acquired to play some good video games in opposition to aggressive groups. I scored runs and was good with the gloves. So, a number of bins ticked.”
Having educated on the flat surfaces in Bengaluru after surgical procedure, Rahul was grateful for the battle he and different batters went via in Colombo. “Enjoying spin will probably be vital within the center overs within the World Cup, wanting ahead to that problem. It is good to play video games the place bowlers get assist,” he acknowledged.
Whereas accidents to Axar Patel left each coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit fearful, they appear to have back-up plans. The field that is left to tick is Shreyas Iyer’s health. “Axar had a small tear. Possibly it’s going to take every week or 10 days to heal. I’m not positive whether or not he’ll be capable to play the primary two video games in opposition to Australia,” he mentioned.
Rohit was extra exact whereas speaking about Iyer. Iyer had suffered again spasms forward of India’s Tremendous four sport in opposition to Pakistan and after pulling out on the final minute, hasn’t performed.
“Shreyas was not out there for the ultimate as a result of sure parameters have been stored for him to tick off. I believe at this time, he accomplished most of it,” he mentioned.
The skipper additionally mentioned veteran offie R Ashwin, who turned 37 on Sunday and who’s coaching on the NCA, is in line to make the World Cup squad as a bowling allrounder.
He final performed ODI cricket in South Africa in January 2022.
“As a spinner-allrounder, Ashwin is within the line. I’ve been speaking to him on the telephone. Axar’s damage occurred late on Friday. Washington was out there and was cricket-fit as a result of he was a part of the Asian Video games camp, so he was picked,” he concluded.
