"We Are Going To Create Our Bench Strength, We Never Want To Be A Team That Relies On 1 Or 2 Individuals" - Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will not be around forever to lead the bowling attack and it is one of the reasons why creating a bench strength is a top priority for the management.
Additionally, with the number of games being played across formats, the bowlers tend to pick up injuries. As a reason, India has been constantly resting the senior players and giving opportunities to the youngsters.
“Bumrah, Shami and all these guys will not be with the Indian team forever, so you have to try and prepare the other guys. Myself and Rahul (Dravid) bhai spoke about how we are going to create our bench strength because that’s going to be very crucial considering the amount of cricket we play, considering the injury factors and everything,” Sharma was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
“We never want to be a team that relies on one or two individuals, we want to be a team where everyone can contribute and help the team win on their own. We want to be that kind of a team and that’s why we want to give the youngsters as many opportunities as possible and of course, you have got senior players around them. They can be of good help,” he added.
“It’s about getting the confidence at this stage, which I am sure they will learn” – Rohit Sharma
Ahead of the 3-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, India will have two more new faces in its dressing room – Rahul Tripathi and Shahbaz Ahmed. Rohit said they will get good exposure and have a chance to build their confidence.
“The guys are getting exposure and our aim is to create bench strength, so that’s why in Zimbabwe, there are a lot of players who are touring for the first time – be it Shahbaz Ahmed, Rahul Tripathi – and it is a good exposure.”
“They are really talented and will grab the opportunity. It’s about getting the confidence at this stage, which I am sure they will learn. Playing for the country matters the most,” Sharma mentioned.
