You can't play everything and be ready for the World Cup – Rohit Sharma explains why senior players have been rested for the WI T20I series

As India gear up for the fourth T20I against West Indies, a lot would be on the line in terms of the ongoing series. The current squad that will be in action in the USA does not feature senior players in Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli, keeping in mind the ample rest required for all these stars who will play a major role ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and this year's ODI World Cup. 

Another predominant theme in the recent past has been a steady experimentation process that has seen Rahul Dravid vehemently rotating his playing XI with all available prospects being tested in certain roles. However, Rohit and Virat being rested raised the most questions, a query that the Indian captain answered recently. 

In a media interaction in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma said, “Last year also we did the same thing — the T20 World Cup was there, so we didn't play one-day cricket. Now also we are doing the same, the ODI World Cup is there, so we are not playing T20s. You can't play everything and be ready for the World Cup. We decided this two years ago. (Ravindra) Jadeja is also not playing T20, you did not ask about him? I understand about the focus (on himself and Virat). But Jadeja is also not playing.”

He concluded by talking about his desire to win the 50-over World Cup, adding, “Honestly, I have never won a (50 overs) World Cup, it's a dream to win a World Cup and to be here fighting for it, nothing makes me happier than that. You don't get World Cups on a platter, you have to really work hard and that is what we have been doing all these years from 2011 till now we all are fighting for it.”