ICC World Cup 2023: When we talk about the 15 we are very clear what we want – Rohit Sharma

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed they are clear about their World Cup squad. India lost the last ODI of the series against Australia by 66 runs at the Saurashtra Cricket Association, Rajkot on Wednesday, which was their last competitive match before the World Cup.

India have ticked the right boxes as a unit but the fitness of Axar Patel remains the only concern for the team ahead of the World Cup. Patel could not play against Australia due to a quadriceps injury he suffered in the Asia Cup clash against Bangladesh.

In the absence of Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin had bagged his opportunity with both hands, picking four wickets in two matches.

Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation, “When we talk about the 15 we are very clear what we want. We are not confused, we know where we are headed as a team. It’s a team sport and we want everyone to come and play their part – that’s how we win championships. It’s about looking after the body and try and stay fresh for the next one and half months.”

On the other hand, Rohit added Jasprit Bumrah is going to hold the key for them in the upcoming ODI showpiece. Bumrah has also made an impressive return after back injury and he has been right on the money.

Rohit added on Bumrah, “I’m pretty happy, more importantly how he feels body-wise, he has got so much skill, one bad game can happen to anyone. How he feels mentally and body-wise is key for us and that’s looking good for us.”

Meanwhile, Rohit was rested for the first two ODIs against Australia and he scored a fine knock of 81 runs, including five fours and six sixes. Rohit said he would have liked to get a big score but he was happy to get some crucial runs under his belt before the mega event.

Rohit concluded, “I’m pretty happy, more importantly how he feels body-wise, he has got so much skill, one bad game can happen to anyone. How he feels mentally and body-wise is key for us and that’s looking good for us.”

India will begin their ODI World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.