Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has left no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming One-Day International series against New Zealand. In a clear signal of his intent, Sharma was seen putting in a strenuous net session at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Gearing Up for the Black Caps Challenge
The seasoned opener dedicated significant time to honing his skills ahead of the three-match ODI contest. The series is scheduled to commence on January 18, 2023, in Hyderabad itself, making his practice at the venue particularly relevant. This session comes after a brief break following the recent home series against Sri Lanka.
Observers noted that Rohit Sharma focused extensively on facing a variety of bowling styles during his time at the crease. He tackled both pace and spin, working on his footwork and shot selection. The intensity of the session underscored the importance of the series, which serves as part of the ongoing build-up towards the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 later in the year.
Leadership and Personal Form in Focus
As the leader of the side, Sharma's form is crucial for India's prospects. The nets session was not just about personal batting time; it was also a demonstration of his work ethic and commitment to leading from the front. His last ODI outing was in December 2022 against Bangladesh, and a strong performance against a quality side like New Zealand will be vital for his and the team's confidence.
The practice was comprehensive. After his batting stint, Sharma also spent time on his fitness, ensuring he is in peak physical condition for the demands of the 50-over format. The Indian team management will be pleased to see their skipper sweating it out and setting the tone for the rest of the squad.
Road to the World Cup Continues
Every match in the current calendar is viewed through the prism of World Cup preparation. The series against New Zealand, the runners-up of the last edition, provides an excellent opportunity to test combinations and strategies under pressure. A focused and in-form Rohit Sharma at the top of the order is a cornerstone of India's game plan for the mega-event at home.
The first ODI in Hyderabad will be followed by matches in Raipur on January 21 and Indore on January 24. With the captain showing such dedicated preparation, the Indian camp appears to be in a positive mindset as they aim to start the series on a winning note against the formidable Black Caps.
