'If I pick one player, the other will…': Rohit Sharma avoids 'big controversy' on Pakistan, wife Ritika can't keep calm

India and Pakistan will warm up for the World Cup in the Asia Cup. Recently, Rohit Sharma was asked to name the toughest Pakistani bowler.

Remember when Rohit Sharma unleashed a rib-tickling response to stump a reporter, who asked him to share his advice for Pakistan batters at ICC World Cup 2019? Rohit's noteworthy remark about coaching the Pakistan side had become the talk of the town after Team India's thrilling win over their arch-rivals at the grandest stage of them all. Nicknamed Hitman, the Indian captain often ends up breaking the internet by issuing noteworthy statements during media interactions.

Rohit was asked to name the toughest bowler of Babar Azam's Pakistan side (Twitter screengrab-Getty Images)

In the latest episode of Rohit being his witty self at a media interaction, the Indian captain issued a hilarious response while speaking about India's high-voltage clash with Pakistan. Before the two cricket powerhouses renew their rivalry at the 2023 World Cup, arch-rivals India and Pakistan will meet each other in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup. Speaking to reporters at an event in the United States, Rohit was asked to name the toughest bowler of Babar Azam's Pakistan side ahead of the showpiece events.

Rohit avoids 'big controversy'

While many expected Rohit to choose either superstar Shaheen Shah Afridi or speedster Haris Rauf, the Indian skipper issued a cheeky response in the lead-up to the blockbuster Indo-Pak clash. “Pakistan team mein sab ache hai. Mai kisi ka naam nahi loonga. Bada bada controversy hota hai (All fast bowlers in the Pakistan team are good. I will not going to pick any individual. It creates a big controversy). If I will take one player’s name, the second will feel bad. If I will take the second player’s name, then the third one will feel bad. I think all of them are good,” the Indian skipper told reporters.

Rohit's wife Ritika Sajdeh, who also attended the event, can't keep calm as everyone burst out laughing. The video of Rohit's stunning response has become an instant hit among the fans and followers of the game on social media. Under Rohit's leadership, Virat Kohli-inspired Team India outclassed Pakistan in a final-ball thriller at the 2022 World Cup.

Can Rohit emulate Dhoni in ODI World Cup?

The veteran Indian skipper is banking on home support to guide India to ICC World Cup glory this year. India were crowned world champions when the Men In Blue last played the World Cup at home. Rohit was not a part of the Indian side that lifted the famous trophy back in 2011.

"I've never seen it so close. Even when we won in 2011, I was not part of the squad. But yeah, it looks beautiful, so many memories behind the trophy as well, the past, the history. Yeah, so, it looks beautiful and hopefully we can lift it, fingers crossed," Rohit was quoted as saying by the ICC. Former Asia Cup winners Pakistan have received the government's approval to travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Earlier, Pakistan officials had visited different World Cup venues to check security arrangements for Babar's side in India.