India captain Rohit defends Avesh gamble in Windies defeat

02.08.2022 - 08:55 channelnewsasia.com

India captain Rohit Sharma said he had no regrets about picking rookie seamer Avesh Khan ahead of veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl the final over against West Indies after their five-wicket loss in the second Twenty20 International on Monday.West Indies' Obed McCoy claimed 6-17 as India were skittled out for 138 with two balls remaining in their innings.Tidy bowling brought India back into the contest, with West Indies needing 10 runs from the last over.Bhuvneshwar, renowned for his death-overs mastery, still had two overs left but Rohit handed the ball to Avesh instead.Avesh, who made his India debut earlier this year, began with a no-ball and Odean Smith took a single off it.Devon Thomas hit the next delivery, a free-hit, for a six and followed it with a four as West Indies prevailed with four balls remaining to level the five-match series 1-1.Rohit said he wanted to test India's bowling depth with an eye on the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia."We know what 'Bhuvi' does for us, he has been doing it for years.

Unless you give chances to guys like Avesh and Arshdeep (Singh) you'll never know."They have the skills and the talent and it is all about backing them.

I am really proud of the bowlers and the team."Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey hoped the series would help India identify the bowling attack they would deploy in Australia."It's all part of our preparation for the World Cup," Mhambrey told reporters."We are looking at different options that we have and giving opportunity to youngsters to find out who does the job for us."

bowling Rohit Sharma Obed Maccoy Australia India

Rohit Sharma led Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians to a record five titles before he became India's all-format captain. While he was handed the white-ball captaincy of the national team in December last year, Rohit was elected as the full-time Test captain of India in February, 2022. Talking about his style of captaincy, the right-handed batter said that he tries to keep things simple. Rohit added that confusion among players and their roles is the last thing he would want under his captaincy.

"Lot Of Curve Balls Thrown At Rohit Sharma": Star Teammate On India Captain's Struggles In Tests

Over the last few months, Rohit Sharma has risen up the ranks in Indian cricket to be the skipper in all three formats. However, there was a time when the veteran batter was considered only for the limited overs formats. Despite repeated opportunities, he could not find consistency in the longest formats until 2019, when he was made an opener in Tests too. From then there has been no looking back for Rohit. Currently, the 35-year-old Rohit averages over 46 in Tests after playing 45 matches.

"Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami Will Not Be With Indian Team Forever": Rohit Sharma On Creating Bench Strength

With the 2022 T20 World Cup starting in little over two months' time, the preparations are on full swing for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team. That India have not won an ICC title since 2013, adds extra significance to the mega-event that will be held in Australia. Considering that, Team India is playing in a series of international tours to get their act right on the biggest stage. Several young players have been given opportunities in recent times with an eye to create back-up for the senior players. Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma said that creating a good bench strength is a priority for the management.

Rohit Sharma is a bit laid-back captain, says Sourav Ganguly

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday termed Rohit Sharma a "laid-back captain" and said the Mumbaikar should be given some time to produce results. Amid workload management, COVID and injury concerns, India has seen as many as seven captains leading the team at various stages since the 35-year-old Rohit took over from Virat Kohli as full-time skipper across formats.

"Not Someone Who's Into Your Face": Sourav Ganguly On Rohit Sharma's Captaincy

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday termed Rohit Sharma as a bit "laid-back" and said the Mumbaikar should be given some time to produce results. Amid workload management, COVID and injury concerns, India has seen as many as seven captains leading the team at various stages since the 35-year-old Rohit took over from Virat Kohli as full-time skipper across formats. Ganguly was impressed by Rohit, who has won a record five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles for Mumbai Indians, and said he should be given a longer rope before being compared with the likes of the great MS Dhoni and Kohli.

Cannot Even Compare Myself With Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni As Captain: KL Rahul

After sitting on the sidelines post IPL 2022 due to an injury, right-handed batter KL Rahul will make his much-awaited return in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning Thursday. Originally, Rahul was not named in the squad, but after attaining full fitness, he was named in the team, not just as a player, but as skipper, replacing Shikhar Dhawan, who will now act as his deputy. On the eve of the first ODI, Rahul addressed a press conference where he spoke about his preparation and the challenge that lies ahead.