Dean Jones, former Australia batsman, and cricket pundit, on Saturday (November 2), admitted that Team India is a little weak with the absence of Virat Kohli being the best batsman in the world, but at the same time, it offers the opportunity to youngsters to stand up and get noticed.
In the absence of regular captain Kohli, Rohit Sharma will be leading the Indian Team against Bangladesh, as the dashing right-hander was rested for the three-match T20I series, starting from Sunday, November 3 at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The Aussie further added the Kohli’s absence also provides the India team management an opportunity to try different combinations to build for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia.
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Jones told IANS before Delhi match, “Look there is no doubt that in the absence of Virat Kohli, any Indian team is going to be a little bit weaker. That is a fact that he is the best player in the world. But this provides an opportunity for someone else to stand up.”
He further went on to explain, “If we go into scenarios, what would happen if Virat broke his hand or something happened and he couldn't play in a World Cup match? Who is going to take over? There was this match played between Rajasthan and RCB and it was reduced to six overs and the teams had no idea what the attitude should have been to go about it.”
The commentator continued, “So, Rohit takes over, he has won three IPLs and knows how to captain the team. We have to see if KL (Rahul) is going to bat at number three, will it be Pant (Rishabh) at number four? I think I firmly believe that whatever decisions the selectors take, they must be consistent for the next two or three T20I series. Keep players in the same spot and make them understand their roles. The trick is to pick the right player in the first place.”
Meanwhile, the Select Dugout expert on Star Sports also feels the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who was banned for two years for not reporting corrupt approaches by ICC, will also be a huge hole for the visitors, saying his all-rounder show will be missed by the Tigers against India.
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However, Jones said Shakib’s absence is also an opportunity for the young Bangladeshi players to step up and throw in some punches against Men in Blue while suggesting them to take on formidable hosts with a lot of confidence to challenge them at their own home soil.
The Aussie continued, “When you sometimes lose your captain, you can either put your head between your legs and cry or come out and start throwing some punches. It is important they get off to a good start. They love confidence. He has been their biggest star in the history of Bangladesh sport and if you take him out, it is a huge hole. But you can't dwell on it.”
Jones signed off by saying, “It is an opportunity for someone else to stand up and get noticed. I still feel Shakib's batting is more important than the bowling. I am really looking forward to see the game plan of the new coaching staff. I feel there will be some funny strategic decisions. But the key is to get the belief. The skipper has to lead from the front.”
(With IANS Inputs)
