World Cup squad more or less settled, says Rohit

But no one guaranteed a place as final selection will be based on form and fitness

In the groove: Virat Kohli, right, and Rohit Sharma helm a team that wears a settled look.

Vice-captain Rohit Sharma said on Thursday India’s World Cup squad was more or less settled but nobody should take his place for granted as poor form could lead to omissions.

“The squad that plays these 13 ODIs is more or less the same squad that will go to the World Cup. There will be one or two changes, keeping in mind the form and injury concerns over the next few months,” Rohit said ahead of India’s first ODI against Australia here on Saturday.

“We played a lot of cricket throughout the year, so injuries are bound to happen. And there will be some concerns about form and fitness,” he said.

Slots taken

Talking about the slots in the playing eleven, he said, “the slots are pretty much taken. But having said that, I feel everything will depend on the form of each player. Nobody is guaranteed that flight to England yet.”

The World Cup starts on May 30 in England.

India last played ODIs in Australia in 2016, and lost the five-match series 4-1. The top-order, comprising Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, had excelled back then, but the middle order did not provide enough support.

“It’s not about one or two individuals, it’s about 11 of us contributing. Individuals may win one or two games, but to win the championship, the batting unit needs to come together.

Talking about individual players, he said, “We saw Ambati Rayudu coming good in the last series we played in India. Dinesh Karthik has done reasonably well. M.S. Dhoni, obviously, is the key factor going forward. Then there’s Kedar Jadhav who brings so much to the table with his bowling, and with his ability to strike the ball at the end.

“All these guys are very important, and not to forget Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja who will be playing a crucial role with the bat. That finishing touch is very, very important in this format.”

Aussie bowling strength

Australia will be missing the services of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, but Rohit said, like in 2016, the home side still had good enough bowlers to pose problems for the batsmen.

“These three guys don’t play too much of ODI cricket if I am not wrong. The last time we came here (2016) none of these guys played and we were still beaten 1-4, so they still have quality in their attack.

“We have to grind it out there, face the challenge and make sure that we put them under pressure.”