'You just can't call them up': Rohit's defiant answer when asked about India's selection

Ahead of the start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Team India has picked up a much-needed winning momentum. The Asia Cup triumph has predominantly showcased what the combination in the World Cup is set to be. However, in a bid to build bench strength, team management and the captain are keen to give the reserves some game time.

3 things you need to know

• India won the Asia Cup 2023
• India vs Australia series to begin from September 22, 2023
• Two squads have been announced for the series

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Two squads for the Australia series

The preparation phase for the World Cup is going in full swing and following a successful Asia Cup 2023 campaign, all eyes are on the upcoming India vs Australia series. Keeping the World Cup as the bigger picture, the objective of team management with the upcoming series is to try out all the prospects in the mix. Thus, two squads have been announced for the series. The first one is affixed with the first two ODIs, whereas the second one has been attacked with the final ODI. 

🚨 India's squad for the IDFC First Bank three-match ODI series against Australia announced 🚨#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2023

The initial two matches seem to be the experiment ground and hence names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, and Prasidh Krishna could get some game time. An exceptional performance here could fetch a place in the final squad of the World Cup, thus, the competition is set to be intense, and it would be intriguing to witness who gets the chance. Moreover, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel would also be in focus, and if their injury issues persist then a tough call to bring in a substitute could be taken. 

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Rohit Sharma on testing bench strength

During the team selection session with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, skipper Rohit Sharma addressed the topic of Team India's bench strength and laid out his plans for staying at the top of the situation with contingency options. He intends to give a chance to all the players in the upcoming series so that when the need arises a readymade option will be in the sights. Here's what he said.

"We always try to play all the players and we give them game time whenever possible. Not possible to have bench strength if the same XI guys keep on playing. The World Cup will be hectic and we want to make sure that the bench has been tested and they have some game time before going into the World Cup. Loads of injuries have been happening to other teams and hence we want the bench to be ready. You just can't call them up suddenly and ask them to deliver in the World Cup."