Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma had a clear message for youngsters who lack the hunger for Test cricket amid BCCI’s effort to make sure that all centrally contracted players take part in domestic matches. In the recent months, a lot of chatter has taken place around Ishan Kishan not taking part in Ranji Trophy matches despite directives from the board and Shreyas Iyer opting out of Mumbai’s match despite the National Cricket Academy stating that he has not injuries. When asked about the hunger in youngsters to play Test cricket, Rohit had a blunt take after India’s win over England in Ranchi.
“Jin logon ko bhookh hai, hum unhi logon ko mauka denge (We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry),” Rohit declared, making it clear that the team management is not willing to entertain players who do not display a burning desire to perform.
“Agar hunger nahi hai to unko khila ke koi matlab nahi hai (There’s point in playing those who don’t have the hunger),” he said.
His comments came close on the heels of a BCCI diktat asking players like Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer to turn up for Ranji Trophy matches, a missive that was ignored by the duo.
“I don’t see anyone in the team here who is not hungry. All the boys who are here and also those who are not, they all want to play. But the thing )
