Rohit Sharma’s 2023 World Cup Squad Sets An Unprecedented March In Indian Cricket History

Shivani Kumari

October 30, 2023

8 min read

Summary: Neither MS Dhoni's 2011 World Champion team nor Kapil Dev's trailblazing 1983 squad has exhibited the same level of dominance as in the 2023 premier ICC event.

Like a doting father tending to his child, Rohit Sharma delicately used a damp handkerchief to remove an irritant from Mohammad Shami’s eyes gently. This moment of anxiety was a rare sight for the captain during India’s successful defense of a modest 228-run total against England.

India’s remarkable 100-run victory, coupled with their six-game winning streak in this World Cup, is certainly praiseworthy. However, how they fiercely protected their position on the field was truly captivating. Piece by piece, sometimes through sheer luck, the elements seem to fall into place for a memorable Indian October festival.

In this edition, Rohit's team has displayed an unparalleled march that surpasses even the performance of other Indian World Cup teams. This includes the 2011 World Champion side, the 1987 squad brimming with talent but running out of steam in the semi-finals, and the 1983 pioneers, whose success was more of a dream-like journey.

The question that lingers is whether this Indian team can maintain its performance throughout the tournament. Rohit had concerns about the tournament's duration. So far, they have not only secured victories but also provided entertainment to the fans while asserting dominance over their opponents.

The team operated as a collective, where the combined effort exceeded individual contributions. They meticulously planned intricate details, such as deciding who would deliver the motivational speeches before matches. Players were selected based on their familiarity with the venue, which could be their home state or their IPL experience.

In their cricket games, the Indian team strategically assigned players to deliver pep talks, considering their affinity to the venue. Virat Kohli took the lead in maintaining the ball's condition, wiping sweat and ensuring it stayed dry. If the ball went for a boundary, Rohit Sharma would step in to help with the drying.

The Indian team's unity and support for each other were evident in Lucknow. From Rohit assisting Shami to Kohli's passionate embrace of Rohit after Shami's crucial wicket, the team's camaraderie shone bright.

Kuldeep's masterful delivery left England's captain, Jos Buttler, astounded, sealing the match for India. This sporting twist in Lucknow's history resonated with the city's historical connection to the English Raj.