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‘We Have Bigger Picture In Mind…,’ Rohit Sharma After Defeat To BAN In Asia Cup 2023

image-lmkxq9h6Rohit Sharma (Twitter)

An experimenting Indian team fell six runs short of Bangladesh in their final Super Four Asia Cup 2023 fixture in Colombo. The team management had made several changes into the playing XI, with Tilak Varma making his debut and speedsters Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna filing in for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Meanwhile, Varma’s debut coincided with a much-needed rest for Virat Kohli, who seems to have utilised his time cheerfully carrying drinks for the rest of his teammates. Surykumar Yadav also earned a ticket into the playing XI for the first time this Asia Cup 2023, at the expense of a breather for senior pro Hardik Pandya.

After the close defeat, captain Rohit Sharma explained the decision behind team’s new look, and praised Shubman Gill and Axar Patel for rising to the occasion in the absence of several senior members in the side.

Rohit Sharma says changes made with World Cup in mind

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that the team management made changes into the XI in order to give match-time to certain World Cup-bound players in the squad.

India’s squad for World Cup 2023

The seasoned Indian veteran said:

“We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game. Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup.”

Rohit Sharma also praised all-rounder Axar Patel for taking the game deep in a tense run-chase, and hailed opening partner Shubman Gill for his sublime century amidst top-order collapse. The ‘Men in Blue’ skipper added:

“Axar Patel batted brilliantly, but couldn't finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers. Not to forget, Shubman Gill hundred was brilliant. He backs his game; he knows exactly how he wants to play. Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard; there's no optional practice for Gill.”

Team India will now face Asia Cup 2023 co-hosts Sri Lanka in the final on September 17. The much-awaited title clash will also be played out at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.