Hardik Pandya gives us the luxury of playing three spinners and three seamers: Rohit Sharma

In the anticipation of India's grand quest for a third ICC ODI World Cup 2023 crown, skipper Rohit Sharma eexpressed his confidence in the formidable arsenal at his disposal. Rohit will lead the Men In Blue on a thrilling odyssey at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai this Sunday, where they lock horns with the five-time champions, Australia.

Dissecting the strategy, the India opener revealed that the team, under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, is contemplating on the inclusion of the seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI for the Chepauk encounter. The Indian captain also acknowledged the prowess of the dynamic Hardik Pandya terming him as a proper fast bowler rather than just a seamer, he emphasized, 

“Yeah, I mean that’s the luxury we have where we can afford to play three spinners because I don't really consider Hardik Pandya as just a seamer. He (Hardik) is a proper fast bowler, who can crank up good speed. So, that gives us an advantage. That gives us that luxury of playing three spinners and three seamers as well. So, there's a possibility of that,” Rohit expressed in the pre-match press conference.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule

Rohit Sharma hints at changes in the playing XI for India ahead of the opening clash

In the pursuit of history, as India strives to secure consecutive World Cup victories on home soil, the 36-year-old hinted at a stable lineup. He stressed on the fact that given the conditions and the opposition there might be some changes in the playing XI and we have to be prepared for such changes. 

“So, your core of the team will remain the same. Your 8, 9, 10 players will remain the same. There will be one or two changes here and there, which you've got to be ready to accept and take it into your stride and move forward,” he added.