Indian cricket team captained by Rohit Sharma has kickstarted their preparations for the third Test of the five-match series against England. The match between the two teams is slated to take place in Rajkot from 15th February with the series being levelled at 1-1.

Indian players assembled in Rajkot after a short break following the second Test match against England in Visakhapatnam. The Rohit Sharma-led side were seen putting in hard yards for the third game as they would be desperate for the win to take the lead in the series.

As per the reports in India today, the Rohit Sharma-led side are staying in Rajkot’s Sayaji Hotel and will be there till 19th February. It is learned according to the reports that captain Rohit Sharma along with KL Rahul have been given a suite for each of the Royal Heritage themes with the skipper getting a presidential suite room.

India team will be served Gujarati and Kathiyawadi food for the Indian players on Tuesday (13th February). The hotel staff has arranged Fafda-Jalebi, Khakhra, Gathiya, Thepla, and Khman for breakfast. The players will also be served special Kathiyawadi food like Dahi Tikari, Vagherela Rotlo (Bajra Roti fried with yogurt and garlic), and Khichdi Kadhi for dinner

The information was given by hotel director Urvesh Purohit, who revealed that whenever Indian players have got this good they have always enjoyed it. He added that in the past KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and even MS Dhoni have huge fans of Khichdi-Kadhi.

England players are also expected to arrive in Rajkot on Monday (12th February) evening. The Ben Stokes-led side traveled to Abu Dhabi for a short break after the second game. The visitors will be practicing for the next two days in Rajkot before the third Test begins on 15th February.

England hasveplayed a sensational brand of cricket in the ongoing Test series. They kickstarted the series on a high note, having beaten India in Hyderabad. The Ben Stokes-led side then were on top of the game in the second game but couldn’t finish off well as they suffered a disappointing loss.

They would be eager to win the third Test and take a lead in the series. With the kind of cricket they have displayed in cricket, it won’t be a surprise if he takes a lead of 2-1 in the Rajkot.

What I try and do is give the players that freedom – Rohit Sharma on his leadership

Rohit Sharma recently talked about his leadership and said that it is one of the hardest jobs in cricket. He pointed out that as a captain one needs to ensure that everyone gets what they want. He added that his focus is to give freedom to players. Speaking during an event, he explained:

“It is probably the hardest job of the leader to get everyone to do what you want them to do. Because they come with a different mindset and they want to do what they want to do. That’s what we try and talk to everyone when they come in because its a team game and sport. What I try and do is give the players that freedom and importance….. that they are very important for me.”

Rohit Sharma hasn’t had the kind of outing he would’ve wanted with the bat in the two Tests against England. He failed in both the innings and would be hoping to set the stage on fire in the next match in Rajkot. If India have to fancy their chances of winning, he needs to fire with the bat.