ODI World Cup 2023

'Ye banda Jadeja ko replace karega jaldi' - Fans react as Rohit Sharma bowls off-spin in nets ahead of India-Bangladesh clash in ODI World Cup 2023

During the ODI World Cup 2023 press-conference where the team was announced, Rohit mentioned that if required he can bowl for the team in the tournament.

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Mathew K
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Rohit Sharma (Source : Twitter)

Rohit Sharma - the off-spinner

In an unexpected turn of things, Rohit Sharma pulled up his sleeves. He was assisted by Ravichandran Ashwin as he began to bowl some off-spin. Four left-handed players comprise Bangladesh's starting lineup, which may lead to several off-spin attacks. Ashwin's participation in the Bangladesh game is still uncertain.

Rohit Sharma has not bowled since sustaining a finger injury, despite his IPL hat-trick record. Rohit Sharma used to bowl pretty frequently throughout his early international career, earning eight ODI wickets and one T20I wicket.  But on Tuesday, he served as Shubman Gill's net bowler when he was still recuperating from dengue disease.

In fact, the opener has stated in several interviews that his boyhood coach realised he could perform more with the bat after he began his career as a competitive off-spinner.He last bowled during an ODI back in 2016 in Perth against Australia. It was only lately in Tests that he turned up his sleeves. Rohit Sharma delivered two overs during the 2021 Test match against England in Chennai. He bowled in T20I matches back in 2012. 

Rohit has been outspoken about his decision to stop bowling off-spin since it damaged his finger and might have an impact on his batting. But the seasoned opener was spotted delivering to Ravindra Jadeja during the practise area, and on a few times, he succeeded in getting the southpaw to take a fall shot.

Rohit set to bowl during ODI World Cup 2023?

However, Rohit did make a suggestion that players like Virat Kohli and himself may 'roll their arm over' when necessary. This happened during the press conference when India's World Cup roster was unveiled.

Rohit bowling against Bangladesh looks doubtful and unlikely. But the reality that the skipper has been practising inside the nets has provided supporters some optimism. Rohit might be confident in his own off-spin to perform. Therefore, when necessary with Hardik Pandya as the fifth bowler, they may also use Suryakumar Yadav as a finisher.

Fans react as Rohit Sharma bowls off-spin in nets ahead of India-Bangladesh clash in ODI World Cup 2023: 

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