India captain Rohit Sharma is readying to make his debut as the full-time India Test captain when his team takes on Sri Lanka in the first of the two Tests in Mohali on March 4. Apart from him, former captain, Virat Kohli will also become the 12th Indian to play 100 Tests.
On the eve of the first Test match, Rohit Sharma touched the subject of filling in the huge gap left by veteran batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle order. Both Rahane and Pujara were dropped from this Sri Lanka Test series after consistently poor performances from both batters.
"Look, Rahane and Pujara are big shoes to fill, it will never be easy for whoever comes in, even I do not know who is going to come in for Rahane and Pujara honestly. Look, at what Pujara and Rahane have done for this team, you cannot put it out in words, all these years of hard work and playing 80-90 odd Tests, all those overseas Test wins. India getting to No.1 in Tests, these guys helped us in that situation and they have played a big part in that," said Rohit while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference.
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"There is no way that these guys would not be looked upon in the future, they will be in our plans. Like the selector also said, it is just for now that we did not consider them. There is nothing written about them not being considered for the series later on," he added.
He was also asked who he prefers as his opening partner in absence of KL Rahul.
Rohit said: "I am a captain, I'll prefer everyone to be in the team. We will see and analyze everything and then we will take a call. Mayank, Shubman, Shreyas and Vihari, all are brilliant and they are the future of Indian cricket.
I think they need to be given a solid run for them to excel in this format and it is important for us to do that. It will start with the management showing enough support and backing so hopefully, these guys with enough backing, not just from me, but you guys, will also help.”
(ANI inputs)
