Watch: Rohit Sharma’s reaction after being named India’s captain for ODI World Cup 2023 goes viral

The Indian cricket team’s squad for the Cricket World Cup 2023 was officially unveiled on Tuesday during a press conference held in Kandy, led by skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar began the conference by announcing the names of the 15 players who made it into the squad. Notably, Rohit Sharma’s name was at the top of the list, and his reaction to the news quickly became a sensation on social media. In a lighthearted manner, the Indian skipper playfully punched the air and celebrated after his name was called.

During the press conference, Rohit Sharma emphasized the significance of Hardik Pandya’s form in the team’s pursuit of capturing an elusive ICC trophy. As the vice-captain of the World Cup-bound squad, Pandya has shouldered leadership responsibilities across various levels.

Pandya assumed the role of captain for India in the second and third ODIs against West Indies, as Rohit was given a well-deserved rest. Additionally, Pandya serves as the leader of the team in the shortest format of the game.

“His form will be crucial to us. He’s a guy who does both things (batting and bowling), and that’s important.

“In the last year or so he has come up with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That’s important for us,” said Rohit after chief selector Ajit Agarkar named a 15-member squad for the mega event in India.

Rohit was also pleased with Pandya after the latter displayed composure and scored a well-earned fifty in India’s Asia Cup opener against Pakistan on Saturday.

Pandya and Kishan formed a formidable partnership, rescuing India from a challenging situation at 66 for 4, and ultimately guiding the team to a total of 266 in a match that was interrupted by rain.

“You saw the quality in the last game against Pakistan. Ishan and Hardik put their hands up and scored well. Obviously, with bowling too he’s great. He has bowled well in the last year and a half for us.

“The way he batted in the last game showed that he has a very mature head on his shoulders. These are good signs for us,” said Rohit. 

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