India opening batsman Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of the modern-day greats in limited overs cricket. The right-handed batsman is the only cricketer to have scored three double hundreds in the ODIs. He has amassed 9,115 runs in 224 ODIs at an average of 49.27 and a strike rate of 88.93. He is an indispensable part of the current ODI team set-up, and is included in the side whenever he is fit to play. But this was not the case nine years ago.
Before the 2011 World Cup, Rohit was going through a poor run, because of which he was dropped from the squad for the tournament. Playing in home conditions, India went on to lift the World Cup trophy in 2011, defeating Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Rohit’s hometown.
Speaking in an interview on Instagram Live with England legend Kevin Pietersen, the batsman described it as his saddest moment. “Not getting picked for the 2011 World Cup squad, that was the saddest moment as it was happening in our own backyard, the final was played at my home ground,” he said.
On being asked why he was not selected, Rohit gave an honest reply. “It was due to my performances, I was not at my best.”
Rohit was the leading run-scorer of the 2019 World Cup, amassing 648 runs at an average of 81 and a strike rate of 98.33. He scored five centuries in the tournament, but was unable to help his side lift the World Cup trophy, as the Virat Kohli-led side crashed out after defeating new Zealand
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A few big names were released from their respective franchises, including Steve Smith, who has been replaced by Sanju Samson as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals.
Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan (L) celebrates with temamates after bowling out West Indies' Alzarri Joseph during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Bangladesh and West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.(AFP)
All-rounder Shakib was back after being given a two-year ban by the International Cricket Council in October 2019, with one year suspended, for failing to report approaches from a bookmaker.
IPL 2021 Retention: Rajasthan Royals have released Steve Smith and appointed Sanju Samson as their new leader. Mumbai Indians parted ways with veteran pacer Lasith Malinga while CSK released Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawala and Shane Watson.
India vs Australia: In the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday, Pant climbed up to his career-best 13th position to become the highest-ranked wicketkeeper-batsman.
Lauding the gumption shown by the Indian players during the Test series, Gavaskar stated that a young India has scripted history on the Australian soil.
Indian players pose with the winning trophy after defeating Australia by three wickets on the final day of the fourth cricket test match at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, (PTI)
India vs Australia: What helped India win this series? There could be many logical answers and yet there could be no answer to it at all. It wasn't meant to happen, it doesn't happen at all. The rarity of such an accomplishment is what makes it surreal and overwhelming. Perhaps like a deus ex machina, that enters a play at the last moment and solves all the problems.
India vs Australia: A second-string Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, braved all odds to defeat a full-strength Australia by three wickets at the Gabba here to win the four-Test series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Tuesday in Brisbane.
India vs Australia: After losing the first Test in a dramatic fashion, and then losing most players due to injuries, India pulled off a comeback series win.
Indian players celebrate after defeating Australia by three wickets on the final day of the fourth cricket test match at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, Tuesday,(PTI)
Team India Head Coach Ravi Shastri and Indian Skipper Ajinkya Rahane addresses a press conference after winning the test series against Australia, in Brisbane on Tuesday. ((ANI Photo))
India vs Australia: Known for his one-liners, Shastri was still gathering his thoughts after what unfolded here. A mammoth target of 328 was chased down without too much fuss by a fearless bunch of youngsters.
India celebrates winning on day five of the fourth test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, January 19, 2021.(via REUTERS)
