WATCH: Rohit Sharma asks fans to burst firecrackers after India wins the World Cup  

After being interrupted by firecrackers in a press-conference, Rohit jokingly told them to wait for the World Cup triumph.

WATCH: Rohit Sharma asks fans to burst firecrackers after India wins the World Cup  

Rohit Sharma in the 2023 Asia Cup (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

After captaining India to their 8th Asia Cup title, Rohit Sharma went to attend a press conference. He started speaking about India’s bizarre win over Sri Lanka, where they bowled out Sri Lanka for only 50 runs, with Siraj picking up 6 wickets. 

As he started speaking, he was interrupted by loud firecrackers being burst. Rohit looked annoyed by the firecrackers and when it stopped he said, “Arrey, World Cup jeetne ke baad phodo yaar! (Burst the crackers after we win the World Cup).“

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In the 2023 Asia Cup finals, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first. Despite batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for only 50 runs. A brilliant bowling display by Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah ensured they only batted for 15 overs. Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan chased down the score in just 5 overs as well. 

Related: “World Cup wins don’t come on platter,” Rohit Sharma accepts Team India is desperate to win ODI World Cup

Rohit Sharma doesn’t rule out return of veteran off-spinner

Axar Patel was injured after India’s Asia Cup clash with Bangladesh, which they lost. India then called up Washington Sundar, who was in the National Cricket Academy, to replace him. He featured in the 2023 Asia Cup Finals, but did not bat or bowl. 

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R. Ashwin last played an ODI over 18 months ago (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

In the press conference after the final, Rohit Sharma dropped a bombshell. He stated that the 2nd spin bowling slot is available for R. Ashwin. He said he was regularly in contact with him and said along with Ashwin, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel were in contention. 

Ashwin last played an ODI in January 2022, while Washington featured in the ODI series with Bangladesh in early 2023. Axar has a small tear and Rohit said it could take 7-10 days to heal. Axar could also miss a few games of the ODI series with Australia. If he doesn’t recover in time, R. Ashwin could be the frontrunner as Washington Sundar will be going to China to participate in the 2022 Asian Games in the same period.

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