Indian captain Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of hunger in youngsters for success in Test cricket, and he clearly said that those lacking this drive would not be considered for national team selection.
His remarks came after the Indian cricket team clinched the five-match Test series against England 3-1 with a five-wicket victory in the fourth Test in Ranchi on Monday (February 26).
Team India successfully pursued a target of 192 runs, with Dhruv Jurel (39*) and Shubman Gill (52*) stitching an unbeaten partnership of 62 runs for the sixth wicket against England in Ranchi.
After the win, Rohit highlighted the challenges of Test cricket, stressing the need for grit and hunger for consistent success in the traditional format of the game.
Rohit Sharma said in a post-match press conference: “Jin logon ko bhookh hai, hum unhi logon ko mauka denge (We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry). Agar hunger nahi hai to unko khila ke koi matlab nahi hai (There's a point in playing those who don't have hunger).”
He added, “I don't see anyone in the team here who is not hungry. All the boys who are here and also those who are not, they all want to play. But the thing with Test cricket is that you get very few opportunities. If you don't utilise them, they go away.”
On being asked if the IPL is affecting the drive for Test cricket among young players, the Indian skipper said, “Test cricket is the toughest format. If you want to excel and achieve success in this format, you have to show the hunger. Yeh pata chal jata hai kisko bhookh nahin hai aur kin logon ko yahan pe rehna nahin hai. Yeh pata chalta hai.”
He signed off by saying, “Jo logon ko bhookh hai, tough conditions mein khelna hai, un logon ko preference diya jayega. (It becomes apparent who is not hungry and who does not want to stay here. Those who are hungry, who want to play in tough conditions, will be given preference). It's very simple.
IPL is a very good format for us, but this is the toughest format and difficult to excel. You have to work hard to win...the last three wins didn't come easy, bowlers had to do long spell, batsmen had to grind it out. It's tough.”
(With PTI/ANI Inputs)
