We need to focus on our strengths: Rohit

Not to forget that senior pro Dinesh Karthik also get a fresh lease of life despite a career plagued by inconsistent form.

Rishabh Pant.

Given the task of leading the side in the T20I series against the reigning World Champion West Indies, India’s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma felt that his team can overcome the challenge if it plays to its strength.

“Going out against a strong side like the West Indies and winning would not be an easy task, but we need to play to the best of our abilities and focus on our team strengths to get the job done. It will not help in thinking about what they can do as a team,” Rohit said ahead of the opening match. 

“Having said that we do understand what they (West Indies) bring to the table. They have played a lot of T20 cricket and it is the format they enjoy the most. So, they will be a strong opposition without any doubt,” he added.

 Rotation process helps

Rohit said that the rotation process of resting key players allows a good balance in the side. 

“The balance is required because of the amount of cricket we play. 

“At the same time we’ve got to see what our bench strength is. The players we are talking of are possible replacements who will come and fill in. 

“With the World Cup not far away, we need to see what is outside the 15 players we have,” Rohit said.

Talking about M.S. Dhoni’s absence, Rohit said the former captain will be missed, but that had to be done to give others the opportunity to express themselves. 

“His (Dhoni’s) experience will be missed. He has been such a massive player for us over the years. 

Looking at options

“But this gives an opportunity to the other guys to express themselves. All these guys have done well for their respective teams at the State level and in the IPL. We cannot go to the World Cup with limited resources, we need to have options,” Rohit said.

Rohit said that his captaincy stints were helping him grow as a player. 

“I have enjoyed doing that (captaining) whenever I have got the opportunity.

It does bring a sense of responsibility when you lead the side and you always want to lead from the front. 

“I am still a stand-in captain of course, but it has made me understand my game a lot better and my teammates better,” the prolific batsman said about his new responsibility.