Preparation and work ethics doesn't stop for Rohit Sharma even if he is not playing

Rohit Sharma who was selected ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara in the 3rd Test against West Indies said that his preparations and work ethics never stops even when he is warming the benches.

Sharma, who is known for his lazy elegance got out cheaply in the first innings but made most of his opportunity in the 2nd innings when India needed quick runs. He hit 3 sixes in his short innings before Virat Kohli declared the innings. Speaking about his preparations when he is not selected in the XI, Sharma said that warming the benches helped him to work on his fitness and skills.

“I prepare as if I am playing. On game day when the team is announced and I know that if I am not playing, then my preparations, work ethics and everything that you do to improve as a cricketer does not stop,” he said. “I try and stay positive and look to enjoy the moment as these moments are never going to come back. I cherish each and every day I spend with the team whether it is on and off the field.”

Speaking about his role in the team Sharma said it is based on the requirements of the team. “I think when it comes to that it is important to know what the captain and the coach feel about it. My role is simple. Whenever I am told to play in a certain way, I am trying to play in a certain way,” he said.

Regarded as one of the better players in the limited overs format, Sharma also holds the record for scoring 2 double centuries in ODIs but his abilities in the longest format have been questioned again and again by critics but Sharma said it doesn’t bother his mental preparation.

“As long as you’re playing this game, scrutiny is never going to stop and I won’t let these things affect me. I have been in the situation before too. It does not bother me. What I should be concentrating on is the current situation. I have to live in the present.” Sharma said.

The ODI opener was happy with the way things have gone for him in his career so far and enjoyed each and every moment playing for the national team. “Before making my ODI debut, I never thought I would be playing for so many years. I should be happy that I’ve come till here. I am really happy for what God has given me so far. There is plenty in store for me, I just need to be patient and not get frustrated.”

Sharma also revealed that India’s primary goal was to become the No.1 Test team and if India wins the final Test against West Indies they will be able to achieve their goal.

“Our immediate goal is to be the No.1 Test side in the world and we’re not too far away from that. When MS Dhoni retired, we knew that Virat Kohli was going to be the next captain. The message was clear from him that we needed to play in a way where we look for results and not draws. There is a way to do that and the guys are sticking to it,” he concluded.