Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma© AFP
Legendary Indian cricket team batter Sunil Gavaskar completely supported skipper Rohit Sharma‘s remarks that cricketers who lack the hunger of playing Test cricket should not be included in the national team. Following India’s series win over England with the victory in Ranchi, Rohit was asked about the IPL vs Test cricket debate and the star batter was quick to respond that Test cricket is the toughest format and it is not difficult to figure out the players who do not have the hunger for the sport. Gavaskar echoed similar sentiments and said that the cricketers should show their loyalty towards 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. The stage of life and career they are at, is all because of Indian cricket. The money, fame and recognition that they have got is because of Indian cricket. So you’ve got to show some loyalty towards Indian cricket.”
“And if you don’t show that for whatever reasons and say ‘I won’t play, won’t play that’ Rohit is absolutely right in saying the ones who have the hunger, the ones who are willing to put 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 said on Sports Tak.
Rohit’s statement after the match regarding the ‘hunger’ among players has caused quite a stir.
“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 (You come to know easily the players who don’t have that hunger, or players who don’t want to stay here and play this format. We come to know that,” Rohit said during the post-match press conference.
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