- Cricket connoisseurs, experts, ex-players, crazy fans, and even ordinary Indian citizens have a strong opinion about the sport is stating the obvious. So much so that, every Indian becomes an authority on cricket with passion overtaking everything during discussions on different occasions. Any big series and an event like the World Cup usually assume a dimension not ordinarily witnessed elsewhere. The passionate discourses ensuing at every nook and corner of the country are not a rare phenomenon but regular occurrences. When Team India performs admirably, due credit is accrued to all concerned including the BCCI mandarins, selectors, players, well-wishers, and others. The team will soak in glory. And deservingly as well.
PC: Reddit
- In the same vein, when the team fails to perform on expected lines, all hell will break loose. Time and again, we have witnessed this repeating showcasing how much cricket means to the Indians. As such, whatever happened in the last couple of years in the Indian cricket must be termed as no less than a roller coaster ride. Right after losing the 50-over World Cup scheduled in India in 2023, leading to the entire country going into a shock, Team India had to face some unanticipated setbacks resulting in the Test series losses to visiting New Zealand and against Australia while touring Down Under last year. These losses would have forced the BCCI mandarins to sit up and take measures amid growing public backlash against the losses.
PC: The New York Times
- Most welcomingly, Team India spectacularly triumphed in the T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the United States of America last year by showcasing exemplary skills against the equally competitive opponents. Of course, the nation is rejoicing Team India’s magnificent win in the recently concluded 50-over ICC Champions Trophy held in Pakistan and Dubai. This win is no less significant in comparison to the 50-over World Cup. In the interim, Team India is looking at a transition as some of the superstars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are at the twilight of their splendid careers. The demanding schedules of late means the all-format players are always under pressure to perform consistently. What’s the way forward then?
PC: The Indian Express
- The moot point to ponder over here is what the future holds for Rohit Sharma as a captain in the 50-over format since the next one is due to be held in South Africa in 2027. Will he be retained as a player at all forget about leading the team? Rohit has categorically ruled out retiring from the format in no uncertain terms. Have the selectors and the Head Coach spoken to Rohit about his future and Team India roadmap to ensure the transition takes place without too much of a disruption? Undoubtedly, Rohit has been a great servant of Indian cricket as a player and a captain. However, the demanding high-level performances expected from Rohit may be too much of an asking. The selectors and Rohit himself must take a pragmatic call on his continuation.
