MUMBAI: India’s cricket captain in all format Rohit Sharma is keen on building a secure future for the team after India crushed Sri Lanka in what was an impeccable start to his reign as a Test captain.
“It’s not just about 11 players, it’s also about the people who are sitting outside wanting to get their chances,” Rohit told reporters after Sunday’s win. “About creating that bench strength, which will hold the future of Indian cricket.”
The Mohali Test was Rohit’s first assignment as captain of India’s test side after Virat Kohli stepped down in a surprise move after the team’s 2-1 defeat in their last test series in South Africa.
India’s Test side played a match for the first time in over a decade with both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane missing from their batting lineup. The duo were dropped after inconsistent performances lately.
“If you create that bench strength and you start thinking from now, Indian cricket will be in good hands. That is one of my challenges and one of the responsibilities I want to take upon me.”
The opening batsman wants to give the cricketers a platform and clarity of roles.
“It’s going to be my biggest challenge, more than, in fact, winning games,” said Rohit. “For me what will be important is how I approach those guys who are sitting outside and how I can get them in good mindset.”
