On the eve of the T20I series opener against Bangladesh, India’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma has said that his job will be to take the team forward from where Virat Kohli has left.
In Kohli’s absence, Rohit has led India on numerous occasions in the last two years and the results have been quite fruitful. He captained the side to victory in Nidahas Trophy and Asia Cup last year, while India clinched the 2019 ODI series in New Zealand with him being at the helm in the last two games.
"My job as a captain is very simple -- I just want to take the team forward from where Virat has left the team. What I have done at the limited opportunities that I have got is to maintain what Virat has done previously with the team. I am just trying to carry that forward," Rohit told reporters on Saturday (November 2).
Read Also: “We want to be at the top in all three formats”, says Rohit Sharma
He also made it clear that India will not take Bangladesh lightly even though the visitors are without their experienced players, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, in this series.
"Bangladesh is a very good team. All these years, we have seen how well they have performed, not just at home but away also whenever they have gone out. Especially against us, they have always put us under pressure. So, there's no way we look this team differently." The 32-year-old said.
"I understand there are two key players missing (Shakib and Tamim), but they still have quality in their squad which can upset any team on that particular day. I wouldn't say upset but I would say beat. They are very mature cricketers now as all these players have played for long time.”
"There are few young players. But for us, it is important not to focus too much on the opposition, but to focus on what we need to do as a team. We also have a young team and a lot of guys want to show what they are capable off. We would focus on that particular aspect more," he continued.
Commenting on the team composition, Rohit said: "All doors are open for everyone and anyone can play at any point of time."
After the Delhi T20I, the two teams will head to Rajkot for the second match on November 7 before the series finale in Nagpur on November 10.
(With IANS inputs)
