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'10 For 3...' - When Rohit Sharma Warned India's Middle-Order & Predicted Future

image-lnhkosrmJosh Hazlewood after getting rid of Rohit Sharma (AP Photos)

India are considered one of the superpowers of world cricket and entered into World Cup 2023 as number 1 across three formats. However, they have been put under pressure by the Aussies in the opening game of the campaign at the Chepauk, by belligerent Aussie pace attack as India lost three wickets with just two runs on the board, as they tried to chase down the target of 200 set by Australia.

India's top order has been blown away. much to the frustration of Indian fans, who have seen similar things happening in big multilateral events since 2017. In the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 against Pakistan,  India lost three wickets for 33 while in the World Cup 2019 semis against the Kiwis, India lost three wickets with just 5 runs on the board.

Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy reigns from Virat Kohli in 2021 and in an interview with Boria Majumdar, Sharma emphasised on how he wanted India to be prepared for situations were they lose top order early. 

"To be honest, not really," Rohit said. "I would say it was that initial phase of the game where we lost the game. So that's something I'll keep in mind and see that we prepare for the worst. We have to prepare when the team is 10 for 3. That's how I want to move forward and get the message across to the boys that guys who are batting at No. 3, 4, 5, 6.

Interestingly, India have found themselves in the exact same situation now against the Aussies in World Cup's opening game and it is upto India's middle order to rectify their past mistakes and show character to win games from a difficult situation.