Rohit Sharma has taken over the limited-overs captaincy from Virat Kohli after T20 World Cup 2021.
India's former head coach Ravi Shastri spoke on the 'biggest challenge' for the limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma and the team management as they are preparing for the upcoming major tournaments.
Rohit was appointed as captain of the Indian cricket team in white-ball cricket after the T20 World Cup 2021. While the Mumbai cricketer led the team to a 3-0 T20I series win over New Zealand, he is yet to lead the side in an ODI series as a full-time captain.
Team India have achieved success in the limited-overs bilateral series under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, although they couldn't win an ICC tournament. To continue the white-ball cricket success, Shastri feels Rohit will have to look after the fast bowling attack.
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“I think to get the right blend of experience and youth, two years down the line, you need to start grooming some players,” Shastri told Star Sports.
“Think of two years ahead and yet have some experience. So, you might see some new talent; that will come through. The area which you need to look at is the pace bowling (because) they are not going any younger. If we expect them to bowl (2 years later) what they're bowling now, it might not be the case," he added.
Shastri believes Rohit and co wouldn't find many difficulties in preparing for the 2023 World Cup as it's going to be played in India. But the management will have to build a strong bowling unit for overseas.
“Therein will be the biggest challenge. To identify 5 good bowlers to play in '23. It's easier because it's in India because there will be spin. It's tougher when you go overseas. I think there will not be a problem for a year or year and a half, but after that, you will have to really start looking and grooming once you start traveling overseas again,” said Shastri.
(With Star Sports Inputs)