India will be hosting the ODI World Cup for the first time as a solo host and the fourth time overall in October-November 2023. India last won the ODI World Cup title in 2011 at home and since the 2013 Champions Trophy, has not tasted title success in ICC tournaments.
Not winning any ICC event has been one of the big talking points ever since and was seen as one of the main reasons for Virat Kohli quitting the captaincy. The same pressure is on new captain Rohit Sharma as well, after the Men in Blue failed to go past the semi-final stage in T20 World Cup 2022.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin asked fans to be patient with Virat Kohli and now captain Rohit Sharma and trust the Indian team management. He cited examples of how Sachin Tendulkar had to play six World Cups to finally win one and on the other hand, MS Dhoni won the World Cup the first time he captained the side.
Ashwin said, "It is easier to say you haven't won this, that, and so on. But after the 1983 World Cup, the great Sachin Tendulkar played the 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007 World Cups. But he finally won the World Cup in 2011 only. He had to wait for 6 World Cups to finally win one. That was the situation for a stalwart of Indian cricket. Just because another stalwart in MS Dhoni came and won a World Cup as soon as he took charge, that doesn't mean it will happen for everyone, right?"
Ashwin pointed out how Rohit and Virat weren’t part of the 2007 World Cup and how only Virat has played in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cups, while Rohit has played in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
But he also said that both Kohli and Rohit have won ICC tournaments with Indian team.
"These players (Virat and Rohit) didn't play in 2007 as well. Rohit Sharma missed out on the 2011 World Cup. Only Virat Kohli played in 2011, 2015 and 2019, and this 2023 World Cup will be his fourth. But people say he hasn't won an ICC tournament. He (Virat) has won ICC tournaments in 2011, and in 2013 when he won the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma has also won the Champions Trophy. So, we can give them the space, guys. They are playing bilateral series, IPL and so many other matches. But when it comes to ICC tournaments, you need those crucial moments to go your way,” Ashwin added.
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The veteran off-spinner, who was part of the 2011 World Cup winning campaign, urged the team management to give a long rope to talented batter Shubman Gill.
"When we were wondering who will come next once Sachin Tendulkar retired, we got Virat Kohli. So, if you are wondering whether we will ever be able to find someone once Virat Kohli retires, we will surely find one. That could well be Shubman Gill. I am not saying he is THE ONE yet. He could be THE ONE. Ishan Kishan has scored a (ODI) double-century. And the entire world questioned how he can be dropped immediately after scoring a double-century. Yes, I will also feel bad if they drop me after I score a double-century.
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But Team India has seen Shubman Gill's run in the past. He has been the most consistent batsmen for us over a period of time. He was not there in the squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh. Because he had to play the Test match series against Bangladesh. So, Ishan Kishan got his opportunity in the 3rd ODI and utilized it perfectly. He has been in the reckoning now. Rishabh Pant won't be a part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and so Ishan Kishan has been given a chance in the Test format as well. His opportunities will come. But until then, Gill is here," Ashwin said.
India is being seen as one of the favorites to win the 2023 World Cup as the last three editions of the tournament have been won by the teams hosting them. India won in 2011, Australia in 2015, and England in 2019.
(TOI inputs)
