IND vs ENG: Team India Skipper Rohit Sharma ‘Bats’ Freely at Press Conference Ahead of ODI Series Opener

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It is not just the colour of the cricket ball which changes in transition from Test cricket to the ODIs -- red to white. On Wednesday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma showed he meant business, not being red flagged by anything at a press conference ahead of the ODI series against England, starting in Nagpur today.

The shift from T20's where India won big against England underlined the potential as robust performances were on view from some freshers. It has made the BCCI selectors (or bunch of jokers?) sit up and take notice.

Now is the time for ODIs, which seems to be the least popular format in many ways. Be it the cricket boards, teams or even players, ODIs are not the in-thing. So, when, Rohit opened up at the presser, his form was more like the ODIs, he took slightly more time, then accelerated.

Once he opened up, the answers flowed, where Hindi flowed. He was brimming with confidence while replying, even if there are a bunch of problems which stare at India's face ahead of the Champions Trophy, where India will be based in Dubai.

Rohit was bang on target when he spoke of having done well in the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023, but that was past. His reference to that World Cup being held almost a year and a half back was very emphatic.

Why he said it is clear, since people use it as a reference point or baseline. Rohit gave it the right context by saying India did well in 2023, with a loss to Australia in the final. However, he did underline it means little now. This is more like a fresh start in ODIs.

This is a new time, a new year, and the three ODIs against England at home, who are also not in best form, will set the tone and tenor for the Champions Trophy proper. Indeed, when Rohit said "this side" has senior players and the right mix which knows its job, he was spot on.

In many ways, Rohit was being sarcastic as well in his replies. It was needed for many media folks who have turned trolls. When Rohit Sharma said players are senior and responsible and know their jobs and roles, he was at is brutal best.

For those baiting Virat Kohli and his lack of runs, not once was there anything to suggest this was worrying the captain or the think-tank.

Where Rohit offered a glimpse into how he and the selectors know their job is mentioning how they are tracking performances, where Varun Chakravarthy has been included. Rohit was non-committal if Vaun will be added to the travel list for Dubai. At the same time, he did not rule it out.

Like a good captain, Rohit also defended his bowlers Mohd Shami and Hardik Pandya. He knows there is a worry, since the mystery about Jasprit Bumrah is now over. He is unfit and very likely for the Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma said they would get to know scan reports soon, which means the MRI is yet to be done. There was enough to suggest Team India are already thinking of life minus Boom in Dubai.

If he does come back and plays, that will be a miracle. What caught the eye and ears was Rohit being frank and forthright, including his own form and future. For the time being he has put a lid on what happens to him after the Champions Trophy.

A message sent, focus on the challenge which is the ODIs against England and play into form and then attempt to do well in the Champions Trophy. For those who have been speculating far too much on who will be the wicket-keeper for the Champions Trophy, Rohit fully endorsed 'KL.'

The reference to KL was Rahul. Again, the skipper emphatically stated KL had done well for India in ODIs and is first choice. At the same time, he said it is "a good headache to have" where Rishabh Pant is also a player who cannot be ignored. Like a good politician's speech which can be rated, Rohit Sharma the leader spoke well.

His presser has upset some media folks who are cringing, or whining, on social media. Perhaps, this one press conference ahead of the ODI season shuts up many folks. The recalcitrant guys who pedal agendas were left disappointed! Well done Hitman.