Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Disney+Hotstar)
India skipper Rohit Sharma cheekily stated that he, along with flamboyant batter Virat Kohli, could bowl a few overs in the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, the skipper made the statements along the sidelines of the announcement of the India squad for the 2023 Asia Cup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee announced a 17-member squad for the ACC event, which is slated to begin on August 30. During a presser, Rohit, who was present along with Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of team India selectors, passed a rather cheeky remark as he stated that he and Kohli could bowl a couple of overs in the marquee ICC event.
“Hopefully Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can bowl some overs in the World Cup (laughs),” Rohit said during the squad announcement.
Notably, the 2023 ODI World Cup is slated to begin on October 5 in India as defending champions England will play New Zealand in a recap of the 2019 World Cup final to kickstart the proceedings. India will begin their campaign against five-time winners Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Speaking about the Asia Cup 2023, the Men in Blue play their first match against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Rohit Sharma-led team India are placed along with Pakistan and Nepal in Group A of the ACC event.
Following the conclusion of the league phase, the top two teams of each group will further progress to the Super 4 stage. The summit clash of the event will be played on Sunday, September 17, at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
India’s think tank backed Suryakumar Yadav to feature in the Asia Cup squad, whereas Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal failed to make the cut. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav is the lone wrist-spinner in the squad for the ACC event.
Also see: India Final Squad for Asia Cup 2023