Rohit Sharma handing tips to Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai (AP Photo)
Rohit Sharma underlined how critical ICC World Cup 2023 is to his legacy as skipper and opening batter for India with a reference to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian captain, who has been part of successful teams at the 2007 men's T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, believes his CV as an experienced Indian cricketer is still incomplete without the 50-over crown.
Rohit echoed Tendulkar's words as the 'Master Blaster' considered the World Cup as the "proudest moment of my life", highlighting the unparalleled prestige and jubilation associated with a title victory at the quadrennial event, something which the contemporary Indian skipper has had to wait for a long time in a way Tendulkar did for two decades.
The 36-year-old wasn't part of the 2011 side that fulfilled Tendulkar's dream but has seen the bitter disappointment of going down in the semifinal stage of the 2015 and 2019 editions of the competition. Rohit is determined to ensure India overcome the longstanding knock-out jinx and finish with the ultimate glory this time.
Rohit Sharma With 'Tendulkar' Reference Ahead of 2023 World Cup
Speaking to the press in Chennai ahead of India's campaign opener against Australia on Sunday (October 8), Rohit made clear his desire to lift the biggest trophy in world cricket by speaking of how even an all-conquering force such as Tendulkar felt he had "unfinished business" before the 2011 triumph.
"Yeah, I mean look, you heard the great man say that so many times that you know, until he wins the World Cup, he's got a bit of unfinished business. I am sure you know who I'm talking about," Rohit said by recalling Tendulkar's deep-felt angst at not lifting the World Cup until India's memorable Wankhede victory.
"So, it's the same for us as well. You know, you want to win the World Cup. It's the biggest prize that you can have in your career. But again, there's a way to do it. There's a procedure that you need to follow. There's a process to it," he added.
Rohit, however, is guarding himself from becoming too desperate for success in the home World Cup and reckons it would be more critical to retain a"balance" which allows the energy and aspirations to sync towards the team's best fortunes.
"In desperation, you can do so many things that can lead to so many other things as well. So, it's good to be desperate. It's good to be hungry. But you've got to find that balance, right?"
"Balance to stay desperate and stay hungry for, scoring runs, lifting the trophy, winning games, whatever that is. But there is a balance that you need to find. You cannot get way too ahead of yourself because that can lead into something that you don't really wish for," he added.
 "Kashish Chadha")
