Rohit Sharma said that Test cricket is a tough format that demands relentless determination.
Aakash Chopra stressed that Indian captain Rohit Sharma didn't intend to criticize or target anyone with his recent 'hunger' remark after the team’s series-clinching victory in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi.
During the press conference, Rohit clearly said that the young players must have 'hunger' to be selected for the Indian cricket team in Tests, as it is a tough format that demands relentless determination to achieve success.
He also said that whoever doesn’t show hunger to play Test cricket, will not be preferred in the Indian team.
After this statement, many have been speculating that Rohit was indirectly targeting players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Kishan and Iyer opted to ignore BCCI and Team India directives to play domestic cricket in Ranji Trophy, while preparing for the upcoming IPL 2024.
However, Chopra, former Indian batter and cricket expert, said that Rohit was simply highlighting the importance of discipline and dedication required for Test cricket rather than criticizing individuals.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel: “Rohit Sharma has said that this is the toughest format and if you have to succeed in that, you need a lot of discipline and dedication. He also said that it's evident if someone does not have that hunger, but he was not hinting at anyone.”
Chopra signed off by saying, “If you hear his entire bite until the end, he also said that there is no one within the playing group or outside who is saying that they don't want to play. So, he was not taking potshots at anyone.”
Notably, India will next face England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala from March 7, 2024.