India captain after Ravichandran Ashwin’s idea of 2023 ODI World Cup matches starting earlier than normal Rohit Sharma Opened to the idea. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 and now the next task for the 35-year-old is to face New Zealand in another ODI series. In a press conference ahead of the first ODI on Wednesday, Sharma touted the idea of scheduling the World Cup matches early.
On the eve of the first ODI in Hyderabad, Sharma said that he likes the idea of starting the match early but is not sure whether it will be done or not. “It’s a good idea. It’s a World Cup isn’t it? You don’t want to compromise too much on the toss. You want to take it out completely. I like the idea of an early start but don’t know if it Possible. The broadcasters will decide (laughs),” Sharma said in the pre-match conference.
Kishan to play in middle order for New Zealand ODIs
Also, Sharma confirmed that Kishan will get a chance to play in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, but the southpaw will not bat at his usual opening slot, but will play in the middle order. “Kishan will bat in the middle order and I am glad that he can score runs here after that brilliant innings in Bangladesh,” Sharma said.
‘We need to manage Siraj’: Sharma
Meanwhile, the Indian skipper has said that Mohammed Siraj is an important cog for the Indian team and they want to manage him well. “He is a very important player for us. He has improved his line and length a lot in the last two years. Now we are seeing his outswing. He was not known for his swing, but he did it against Sri Lanka. Did that. He’s very good for the team if he can do that consistently with the new ball. He understands his bowling a lot better now which is a big thing in my opinion. He also knows what the team wants from him Overall he has got to be a very good bowler for us.
He can take wickets at all stages and we need bowlers like him. “We need to manage him and keep him fresh for the World Cup as well as the upcoming Test against Australia,” Sharma said.
He also highlighted the inclusion of Shardul Thakur in the team. Thakur was not part of the Indian team in the Sri Lanka ODI series, but replaced Arshdeep Singh for the New Zealand ODI series. Sharma said the quality that Thakur brings down the order has earned him a comeback. India will face New Zealand in a three match ODI series on 18, 21 and 24 January 2023.
Inputs from PTI.