SL vs IND 2024: It’s not a practice ground – it’ still an international game – Rohit Sharma on taking SL ODIs as preparation for Champions Trophy

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has said they will look to take out the positives from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Sharma said they don’t take international cricket as a practice ground while taking a question on the Champions Trophy’s preparations.

Rohit will return to action after leading India to the T20 World Cup glory. After the T20 World Cup triumph, Rohit decided to hang his boots from the shortest format. 

“You get asked a lot whether this series is a preparation for the World Cup, or is this a preparation for the Champions Trophy. It’s not a practice ground – it’ still an international game. We will keep in our minds what we want to achieve, but this is by no means preparation or practice or anything like that. We want to come here and play good cricket and get something out of the series,” Rohit said in the press conference.

Rohit added they will want to try everything possible in order to get the best results. The young players are also expected to get their deserved opportunities against Sri Lanka.

“Of course, we want to try everything possible, but when you’re representing the nation, the quality of cricket should remain the way it is, and how we’ve played over the last few years. That is more important, rather than thinking about it as a preparation and saying let’s go out and chill in Colombo. We don’t think like that,” Rohit added.

Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan but India has shown their reluctance to travel to the neighboring country due to political issues.

The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Friday.