India captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media ahead of the first ODI of the series against the West Indies. With Indian cricket going through a transition period, Rohit put forward his opinion on the road ahead for his team in the white-ball format.
After a horrendous South Africa tour, fans and pundits called for a makeover in India’s white-ball template. With players like Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India can afford to dominate in the powerplay overs.
However, with Rohit and Shikhar India’s full-time openers in the ODI format, the team cannot fit in any other batsman in the top-order as Virat is an automatic choice for the number three position.
Speaking on the same, Rohit Sharma replied in a witty manner to the reporter, who asked the skipper about giving opportunities to youngsters in the top three. “So you want Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad as openers and me and Shikhar Dhawan on the bench?” Rohit replied to a journalist’s question.
Shikhar seems to have settled the debate for the opening slot courtesy of his good show with the bat in the rainbow nation. However, he tested positive for COVID-19 recently and will miss out on the upcoming ODI matches against the West Indies.
Ishan Kishan to open with Rohit Sharma in Dhawan’s absence
Meanwhile, Rohit confirmed Ishan as his opening partner for tomorrow’s clash. In Dhawan’s absence, Ishan will aim to make a case for himself as the backup opener for India.
“Our top three batters have done well for the past many years. Young batters will keep getting opportunities in the future. Whoever does well will get opportunities. Shikhar and Ruturaj have Covid now so Ishan is getting a chance,” he added.
India will host West Indies for a three-match ODI series, starting from tomorrow. The ODIs will be followed by a T20I series, consisting of three fixtures.