Eng vs Ind, 1st ODI | India look to carry T20 template into ODIs
The Hindu
Skipper Rohit Sharma sees no reason why his team should back down from the high-risk approach that helped them secure the T20 series 2-1 against England
India won't go ballistic from ball one but the batters are expected to carry their fearless approach from the shortest format to the ODIs when the three-match series against England begins here on Tuesday.
India's high-risk play helped them win the series against England and considering that the ODIs have become an extension of the shortest format, skipper Rohit Sharma sees no reason why his team should back down from that approach.
England redefined the way ODI cricket was played and their dominant run culminated with the World Cup trophy back in 2019. It won't be an exaggeration to say that India's fresh outlook towards the shorter formats is inspired by the English template.
The three games will be the only 50-over contests India will feature in before the T20 World Cup but Rohit asserted they still hold a lot of importance.
"All matches are important for us. We can't play thinking ODIs are not a priority, but we have to keep in mind the workload of each player. We will make changes but our ultimate goal is to win matches. We will not leave that thought process behind," said Rohit on Sunday after the third T20 at Nottingham.
"For us, the aim is to understand white-ball cricket, how to play, new guys are playing. 50 over is an extension of T20. Maybe you take less risk in ODIs as compared to T20 cricket but you have to take it."
The team will have an optional training session at The Oval with a quick turnaround time between the T20 and ODI series.