Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. (Photo: Twitter)

Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Shreyas Iyer was left out of the playing XI for the first T20I against West Indies in order to have an extra bowling option in the middle-overs.

Since India has been on the lookout for a bowling all-rounder, Venkatesh Iyer fits the bill to an extent and he has been given chances in the shortest format. He repaid the faith shown in him, albeit with the bat as he managed to finish the game off with Suryakumar Yadav.

Someone like Shreyas Iyer is sitting out, very hard on him not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn’t get him in. It’s always nice with that kind of competition going around and a lot of the guys are missing out as well.”

Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer. (Photo: BCCI)

I’m happy to have that kind of challenges rather than not having players available and not in form. We were very clear with Shreyas and we told him we want that option going into the World Cup. Guys do understand what the team wants and all these guys are professionals and they do understand that team comes first,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

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“Sometimes it can very tough on the guys missing out” – Rohit Sharma

The competition to get into the Indian team is at an all-time high as the team is filled with youngsters who can feature in the playing XI at any time. The competition is healthy, however, but it tends to make it tough for the players who end up missing out.

India vs West Indies
India vs West Indies. Credits: Twitter

Once everyone is available it’s something we need to sit down and understand. Lots of things to take into consideration and sometimes it can be very tough on the guys missing out, but we want to make sure that we give out a clear message with guys performing needs to get that run and we want to put the team first,” Rohit added.

The second game begins on Friday at the Eden Gardens.

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