In this format of the Asia Cup all the other teams that will make the cut for the Super 4 will feature at both the venues of the tournament. However, the fact that India will play all its matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will certainly lend an advantage to it.
Captain Rohit Sharma had no hesitation in conceding it as as “advantage” but the opening batsman stressed that it may not have huge impact on the eventual outcome of the tournament. “...I do understand playing at the same venue is an advantage but every opposition — that’s the beauty of this tournament — is different and you’ve to plan accordingly.
“Yes you’re playing at the same venue, (but) the pitches will change, the opposition will change so your strategy has to change,” Rohit said on Mondayu ahead of Tuesday’s Group A tie against Hong Kong.
“You can’t go with the same strategy and mindset as you go with Hong Kong on Tuesday, and day after with Pakistan. You have to change your team dynamics, the way you play, the strategy, bowling changes, batting orders etc. Right now, I’ll say, yes, little bit of advantage, but you’ve to play good cricket to win the game. As simple as that.”
New to support staff
India’s already sizeable coaching and support staff contingent got even bigger with the addition of Nuwan Seneviratne. While the Sri Lankan is designated as the assistant fielding coach, his primary role will be to be the specialist left-arm throwdown specialist and work in tandem with D. Raghavendra, who has been with India’s squad as the lone throwdown specialist.
Rohit revealed that the squad was impressed with Seneviratne’s skill-sets during India’s recent tour to Sri Lanka and his addition augurs well considering a plethora of left-arm pacers Indian batsmen are likely to face in the near future.
“Looking at the future, we’re going to be playing in Australia and they have quite a few left-arm bowlers. In Asia Cup as well, we’re going to be encountered with left-armers,” Rohit said.
“I think it’s a great move by BCCI to bring him in. He seems to be quite accurate with whatever he does. He’s pretty good at his job and it is a great addition to the team. Guys are only going to benefit.”
