Only two other individuals, Kapil Dev during the 1983 World Cup and Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, have led India to triumph in multi-team 50-overs tournaments.
Unfortunately, India has not secured victory in ICC tournaments since then, despite efforts by captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to elevate their skilled teams to global dominance.
This upcoming October and November provide India with an ideal chance to end this title drought as the country hosts the ODI World Cup 2023. The spotlight will inevitably be on skipper Rohit Sharma.
When questioned about the essential factors for successful captaincy, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar emphasized a common thread among India’s three winning squads: the presence of all-rounders.
Gavaskar explained that, beyond anything else, the element of luck on the day is crucial. He highlighted that the victorious teams in 1983, 1985, and 2011 boasted exceptional all-rounders who could contribute with both bat and ball.
He pointed out that having batters capable of bowling a significant number of overs and bowlers who could perform with the bat lower down the order was a significant advantage.
Gavaskar also referenced Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team, which included players like Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag, all of whom could contribute with their bowling. According to Gavaskar, teams with strong all-rounders hold a distinct advantage.
“We possess an abundance of talent, yet during the knockout stage, the element of luck on that particular day becomes pivotal. When looking at our past experiences in knockout matches where we faced defeat, it’s evident that unfortunate circumstances played a role almost every time,” remarked Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain.
Rohit Sharma, renowned for his impressive ODI career, faces a critical period ahead where the next couple of weeks will shape his captaincy journey. His initial task involves leading India’s quest to secure victory in the Asia Cup, a tournament featuring formidable teams such as co-hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The upcoming Asia Cup, commencing on Wednesday, carries heightened significance for India due to the team’s circumstances. Three pivotal players are making their return after substantial periods of injury recovery.
Leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah and designated No.4 batsman Shreyas Iyer underwent lower back surgeries, while wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul is rejoining the team after thigh surgery. Bumrah already marked his comeback during the T20 series against Ireland, whereas the Asia Cup will serve as the return event for Iyer and Rahul.
