Dubai: India captain Rohit Sharma admitted here Monday that the team’s middle-order is still fluid and their objective will be to identify players for the No.4 and No.6 slot during the Asia Cup.
Rohit made it clear that the likes of Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu are fighting for the key middle-order slots.
“Lots of spots are up for grabs like Nos three, four and six. All these guys (Kedar, Manish, Rayudu) are eyeing those slots. In this tournament, we need to find out the idea No.4 and No.6 batsmen,” Rohit said on the eve of the lung opener against Hong Kong.
In a way, Rohit indicated that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will bat at No.5
Rohit asserted that both Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav are important members and the players to watch out for.
“They are both important members of this team. Rayudu was originally part of England series and similarly Kedar before his injury. It was unfortunate that they couldn’t play for some time and I am very happy that both are back in the team. I expect them to win matches for India,” said Rohit. He also informed that he hadn’t thought of rotating the bowlers in the searing conditions here. “If someone performs, no need to rest,” Rohit said.
The aim is to find out the right No.4 and No.6. Everyone will get the chance to establish themselves”
Rohit Sharma
India have roped in left-arm throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne from Sri Lanka keeping in mind their batsmen will have to face the likes of Mohammed Aamir and Usman Khan in the Asia Cup and Mitchell Starc in Australia. The skipper seemed impressed having faced him in the nets.
Rohit told reporters here that he’s had a look at the pitch and that it will get slower as the game progresses. “The wicket isn’t that bad. It’s going to get slower and slower as the match progresses. The first match we need to figure out the dimension of the ground and things like that,” he pointed out.
On a personal note, Rohit is excited as well as nervous as this is the biggest tournament for him as India captain. “I am excited as well as nervous. It is a big tournament for me. But I know the boys well and it will be of great help to me,” he signed off.