In a recent development within the realm of Indian cricket, the venerable Sunil Gavaskar has stepped forward to voice his support for Rohit Sharma impassioned plea for dedication and fervor among players. The exchange came in response to Sharma’s assertion that the hunger to excel will serve as a crucial criterion for selection in the Indian team, particularly in the challenging landscape of Test cricket.
Following India’s triumphant conquest over England in the fourth Test match, where emerging talents like Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Akash Deep showcased their mettle, Sharma reiterated his stance on privileging players imbued with an insatiable thirst for success, especially in the traditional, grueling format of the game.
“Test cricket is the toughest format. And if you want success and want to excel in this tough format then you need that hunger. It is very important. We will give opportunity only to players who have that hunger. Jinko bhookh nahi hai, unko dekh ke hi pata chal jata hai,” Sharma emphasized post the IND vs ENG 4th Test.
Gavaskar, a stalwart of Indian cricket and a revered figure in the sport, lent his weighty endorsement to Sharma’s perspective, affirming the critical nexus between players and the broader spectrum of Indian cricket. “He’s absolutely right. The ones who want to play Test cricket, you look at them. I’ve been saying this for years. The players are what they are because of Indian cricket.”
Expanding on this theme, Gavaskar underscored the imperative of fidelity towards Indian cricket, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of players’ careers, endowing them with fame, recognition, and material rewards alike.
“And if you don’t show that for whatever reasons and say ‘I won’t play this, won’t play that’… Rohit is absolutely right in saying the ones who have the hunger, the ones who are willing to put in the effort will be given more opportunities going ahead. If this is the attitude of the selectors then it will be good for Indian cricket. We’ve seen many players pick and choose, this shouldn’t happen,” Gavaskar elaborated, articulating the need for unwavering commitment in the face of challenges.
The discourse surrounding commitment and ardor in Indian cricket continues to unfold, with luminaries both past and present articulating the profound significance of passion and determination in charting the course for the sport’s future. As the dialogue evolves, Sharma’s clarion call for dedication resonates as a clarion call for a renewed sense of purpose and allegiance among players, ensuring that the legacy of Indian cricket endures and flourishes for generations to come.