Former Indian cricketer Reetinder Sodhi heaped praise on India’s all-format captain, Rohit Sharma, stating that the 34-year-old has been backing his players well and giving them confidence in tough situations.
Last night in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Ishan Kishan scored 89 off 58 balls. He repaid the trust shown in him by Rohit and co. after a rather dismal West Indies T20I series.
Kishan failed to get going in all 3 games against the Windies but found his touch against the Lankans. He took his time initially before a flurry of boundaries saw him get into his usual rhythm.
“Rohit trusts his players and that makes a lot of difference. Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant are swashbuckling batters. A lot of times they may not be successful, but on days when they do, they will win you big games. Rohit is treating them very well and giving them that confidence,” Sodhi said on the Khelneeti podcast.
“You need to perform or perish policy to be successful” – Reetinder Sodhi
The youngsters are being given opportunities to prove themselves on the biggest stages. If they contribute well enough, they are likely to continue and represent India in the 2022 T20 World Cup. If they don’t, the talent pool is quite large and options will be found.
“If you are good, he will back you in front of the media as well. If you are not doing well, he will show you the exit door. You need this perform or perish policy to be successful. Remember, we backed our tried and tested players in the previous World Cup but ended up being found out,” he added.
India won the first T20I by 62 runs to register their 10th successive T20I win on the trot. The second game takes place on Sunday.