Indian captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the significance of ambition and determination among young cricketers for achieving success in Test cricket. He explicitly stated that players lacking these qualities would not be considered for selection in the national team.

Sharma’s comments followed the Indian cricket team’s triumph in the five-match Test series against England, securing a 3-1 victory with a five-wicket win in the fourth Test held in Ranchi on Monday, February 26.

In the decisive match, Team India successfully chased down a target of 192 runs, with Dhruv Jurel (39*) and Shubman Gill (52*) forging an unbeaten partnership of 62 runs for the sixth wicket against England in Ranchi.

Following the victory, Rohit Sharma highlighted the demands of Test cricket, underscoring the necessity of perseverance and ambition for sustained success in the traditional format of the sport.

Rohit Sharma said in a post-match press conference: “Jin logon ko bhookh hai, hum unhi logon ko mauka denge (We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry). Agar hunger nahi hai to unko khila ke koi matlab nahi hai (There’s a point in playing those who don’t have hunger).”

He added, “I don’t see anyone in the team here who is not hungry. All the boys who are here and also those who are not, they all want to play. But the thing with Test cricket is that you get very few opportunities. If you don’t utilise them, they go away.”

On being asked if the IPL is affecting the drive for Test cricket among young players, the Indian skipper said, “Test cricket is the toughest format. If you want to excel and achieve success in this format, you have to show the hunger. Yeh pata chal jata hai kisko bhookh nahin hai aur kin logon ko yahan pe rehna nahin hai. Yeh pata chalta hai.”

He signed off by saying, “Jo logon ko bhookh hai, tough conditions mein khelna hai, un logon ko preference diya jayega. (It becomes apparent who is not hungry and who does not want to stay here. Those who are hungry, who want to play in tough conditions, will be given preference). It’s very simple.

IPL is a very good format for us, but this is the toughest format and difficult to excel. You have to work hard to win…the last three wins didn’t come easy, bowlers had to do long spell, batsmen had to grind it out. It’s tough.”