Rohit Sharma will be leading the Indian team in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

It will be his first ODI World Cup on home soil and as a captain. Despite making his international debut in 2007, Rohit managed to play his first 50-over World Cup in 2015.

When the squad for the 2011 World Cup was announced, Sharma’s name didn’t feature in the list as India trusted Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan to bolster the middle and lower-order.

Watching the MS Dhoni-led Indian side lifting the World Cup on home soil in 2011 was painful for Rohit Sharma and also a big wake-up call.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Rohit recalled how Yuvraj fast-tracked his sensational comeback after the 2011 World Cup snub.

"I was sad and sitting in my room and didn't know what to do next. I remember Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) calling me to his room and taking me out for dinner. He explained to me how it feels when you are left out. He told me, 'the best thing is that you have so many years in-front of you. As we play in the World Cup, you take this chance to work hard on your game, skills and make a comeback. There is no way that you won't play for India or not get a chance to play in the World Cup'," Rohit stated.

"I went back to the drawing board, worked hard and immediately after the World Cup, I made a comeback and it has been good since then. Since this is me, who has gone through this emotion, no one can tell me that "easier said than done". I have faced exclusion in a World Cup, and I know how it exactly feels,” he added.

Rohit Sharma never looked back after that setback. In fact, he was the top run-getter in the 2019 edition of World Cup in England. The right-handed opener had amassed 648 runs from 9 innings at an average of 81 with five centuries, helping India reach the semi-finals of the marquee event.

(With PTI Inputs)