Ravi Shastri opens up on workload management and controlled pace of play

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wants the team management to rest senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the all-important ODI World Cup 2023 scheduled to take place in India from October 5. Notably, the senior duo have been playing non-stop cricket since February, when they participated in the four-match Test and three-match ODI series against Australia, followed by IPL 2023.

Both Rohit (15) and Kohli (14) failed to score big in the first innings of the World Test Championship final 2023. Talking about their future, Shastri said that both players can play all three formats, however, they don’t need to play all the formats in the lead-up to the World Cup and give youngsters opportunities ahead of the marquee event.

“I would say, it’s very tough to play all three formats. There are players who can play. For example – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli can still play all three formats,” said Shastri on Star Sports.

Shastri further said that the senior players can be brought back into the team close to the start of the World Cup.

"Having said that, they don’t need to play all matches; give exposure to other youngsters. A big tournament is coming up – the World Cup. Bring them (back to the team) close to that; (let them) spend some time with the team and play,” he added.

India staring at another defeat in WTC final 2023?

Notably, India have not won an ICC title since they last won Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, they have reached at least the semi-final of every ICC tournament except the T20 World Cup in 2021. Hence, the upcoming ODI World Cup becomes extremely crucial for the Men in Blue as they look to end their ten-year-long ICC trophy drought. 

Meanwhile, India got all out for 296 in the first innings of the World Test Championship final 2023 with Ajinkya Rahane top scoring with 89. Australia have a massive lead of 173 runs heading into the second innings.