Following India’s defeat in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized the critical role of domestic cricket in the development and selection of players for the national team. As the team heads into a 42-day break from international cricket, many stars are expected to participate in domestic tournaments.
Rohit Sharma’s Remarks
- Domestic Cricket’s Role: Rohit Sharma stressed that domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy and other local tournaments, is fundamental to the national team’s success. He pointed out that many players who now represent India have risen through the ranks of domestic cricket rather than through the IPL.
- Post-Match Press Conference: During the post-match press conference after the third ODI against Sri Lanka, Sharma highlighted that the performance of players in domestic competitions is a key factor in their selection for the national team. “Our domestic cricket is the backbone of our international cricket,” he said. “We want to make sure that it stays competitive.”
Impact on Rohit Sharma
- Domestic Cricket Participation: Despite the emphasis on domestic cricket, it is unlikely that Rohit Sharma will return to domestic matches during this break. Sharma was in excellent form during the recent series against Zimbabwe, scoring 156 runs across three innings. His leadership and solid starts were crucial for India, even as the rest of the batting order struggled against Sri Lanka.
- Upcoming Series: Rohit Sharma will next lead the Indian team in their series against Bangladesh scheduled for September.