'It's a good idea' - Rohit Sharma agrees with R Ashwin's idea of starting games early during ODI World Cup 2023

Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)

Indian captain Rohit Sharma agrees with Ravichandran Ashwin’s idea of starting games early in World Cup 2023 to negate the dew factor. The upcoming World Cup will be held in India where ODIs start at 1:30 PM and ends around 9 PM, the prime for television. However, in the day-night games, teams bowling second are at a disadvantage due to dew which makes it difficult to grip the ball.

Rohit said while the decision is in the hands of the broadcaster an early start will be best for the World Cup.

“I mean, it is a good idea because it’s a World Cup, right? You don’t want to compromise too much on the toss factor and you want to take that completely away. I like that idea of an early start, but I don’t know if it’s possible,” Rohit said.

“The broadcasters will decide what time the game should start . But ideally you don’t want that sort of advantage in the game. You want to see good cricket being played without one side having the advantage of batting under lights with the dew. But those are the things that are not in your control. But I like the idea of an early start.”

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had recently suggested starting World Cup games at 11.30 am. He had also argued that viewership figures will not be hit as it is a World Cup.

Why shouldn’t we start matches at 11.30 am: Ravichandran Ashwin

“The quality difference between the teams isn’t coming through. Dew is narrowing that gap if you happen to lose the toss,” Ashwin said. “My suggestion – or rather my opinion – for the World Cup is to look at what venues we are playing in, and at what times. Why shouldn’t we start matches at 11.30 am during the World Cup? Won’t all cricket fans prioritise the World Cup and watch matches at 11.30?”

The last ODI World Cup which happened in India in 2011 was played during the Spring season from February to March where dew didn’t have much role to play in Day/Night matches.