"I’m not a person who overthinks and puts myself in a tough place" - Rohit Sharma not worried about India's recent ICC title drought

India captain Rohit Sharma dismissed the Indian team’s lack of success in ICC events since 2013 by claiming that the past results have no pressure on his decision-making as well. However, Rohit will lead India into the ODI World Cup at home, with the side being one of the favourites. Despite winning three ICC titles between 2007 and 2013, India have struggled big time in the latter stages of the marquee events as well.

Speaking to the Indian Express prior to the ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma felt apart from Australia, none of the teams have been dominant in the ICC events as well.

“Yes, we have not won, it’s fine. I’m not a person who overthinks and puts myself in a tough place where I’m not able to make a decision. England started winning now; in 2019 they won the World Cup after so many years. It happens. Australia is the only consistent team who have won. After 2007, they won the ODI World Cup in 2015. They won the T20 World Cup in Dubai,” again said Rohit.

Rohit Sharma also vented his frustration on fans as according to him, fans have been making ICC tournaments the only tournament without considering the team’s other successes throughout the year as well. However, Team India are only the second team in the history of cricket to be ranked No.1 across formats and they have recently won in the Asia Cup as well.

“Every year there is an ICC trophy now. If you don’t win it’s an unsuccessful year! People just forget what good work has happened in these 10 months. Rightly, as the Indian cricket team, we are expected to win major trophies. We are one of the top teams in the world. We have to be good at it. It has been disappointing for sure,” he further added.

“All I can hope is that the team is in a good space” – Rohit Sharma

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma also changed the topic around Team India being among the favourites for the World Cup 2023 at home and said that it is good that the players are fit and in a good mental space heading into the marquee event. However, Team India faced several injury issues, including KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah who have joined after long injury layoffs.

Rohit Sharma said: “I don’t have an answer for it. How can I say that now? All I can hope is that the team is in a good space. Everybody is fit and fine. That’s all I can hope for. I cannot say beyond this. Space is such an important factor and it’s a very key thing now.”

The veteran also hoped for fans to keep a check on their expectations. However, they will start their campaign against five-time World Champions Australia in Chennai on Sunday, October 8.

“What people are expecting we can’t control. In India wherever we go, be it airports or hotels, they say, ‘World Cup jeetna hai sir’ (You have to win the World Cup). It happens everywhere. It will never stop,” concluded Rohit Sharma.