The preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India are in full swing and the Men in Blue are in good spirits after the Asia Cup win as they prepare to face Australia in a three-match ODI series. Speaking to reporters ahead of the 1st ODI, Rahul Dravid opened up on various pressing topics and revealed the reason behind resting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the grand tournament.
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After the squad for the Australia series was revealed, there was a lot of criticism from fans and experts alike that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were being rested for too many games. There was also an argument that this would disrupt the momentum leading into the World Cup.
If we look at the numbers, it seems true, as in 2022, the right-handed batter was rested for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand, respectively, totalling 11 ODIs. Rohit Sharma was also rested alongside Kohli in these 10 games (two matches were abandoned due to rain against the Kiwis).
Further in 2023, Kohli did not play the last two ODIs in the West Indies series and even missed the Asia Cup game against Bangladesh, which India lost. Rahul Dravid said, "Senior players like Rohit and Virat have their unique way of preparing for big games. Discussions are done with them, and then a mutual decision is made as to what is the best way forward.
He further added, " It is important to get them to the World Cup in the right frame of mind. The team wants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fresh both physically and mentally for the World Cup; hence, they were rested for the first two ODIs".
When BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar was asked the same question, he had a similar reply, saying, "At some stage, the guys need a mental break, not such a bad thing leading up to the tournament. In the third game, everyone will be available to play. We will play our World Cup squad.”
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Dravid also clarified the selection of Ashwin, saying that the upcoming series is not an audition for the senior spinner. The coach also said that they completely back Suryakumar Yadav, who has been poor in ODIs right from his debut. India play the first ODI against Australia on September 22 at the Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium in Mohali, and the second match will be held in Indore on September 24.