India announced their 17-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's return to the side a major boost to the team's middle order. Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion also comes as a morale-booster for India's bowling unit, with Mohammad Siraj and Mohammad Shami giving him company. 

In the press-conference where the team was announced, one of the questions that Rohit was asked was about the dearth of part-time bowlers in the team despite a heavily locked and loaded bowling department. The Indian captain dealt with the query in his own signature style, once again leaving the listeners in splits.

Rohit said, “That was the team of 2011. They had the individuals who could bowl, who could bat. You have to make do with what you have got. We are giving a chance to whoever is performing well. You cannot create somebody who can bowl overnight. These guys are baters, who can score runs. That is why they are part of the team. But hopefully Sharma and Kohli can bowl some overs in the World Cup.”

BCCI’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar who was right next to Rohit, quipped, “We have convinced them.”

Rohit also talked about the inclusion of Tilak Varma, stating, “In West Indies, we saw some real promise in terms of not just performances but the temperament. And it gives us an opportunity to take him with the team, give him some more exposure; a left-hander again, looks very promising.”

He concluded by saying, “So fortunately we can take 17 here, it'll be 15 at the World Cup. So when the time comes we'll take that decision, but at the moment it, at least, gives the coach and captain an opportunity to have him with the squad."