VVS Laxman gives his opinion in the TOI column
Rohit-Rahul going to play God’s role in the eyes of Indian cricket fans. The All India Senior Selection Committee appointed Rohit Sharma as Kohli’s successor and India’s T20I captain on 9th November. The era of Rohit’s has started where the previous unfulfilled tasks are expected to come up with 100% fulfillment.
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman appreciated India’s big wins against Scotland, Afghanistan, and Namibia right after getting badly knocked out by Pakistan and New Zealand. India definitely lacked the confidence and strength to play further in the T20. bubble life proved to be tough for India. VVS Laxman thinks that India has found a template they would like to embrace. Laxman in his column for TOI wrote:
“With the next T20 World Cup less than a year away, I’m sure India will have identified a template that new coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, all set to become the next captain, will encourage the team to embrace whole-heartedly. India needs to understand that they can’t afford to keep playing 20-over cricket in the same mold as they would the 50-over game.”
VVS Laxman wants some literal changes and introspections to happen in the 15-men squad. He has an important checklist for the selectors to work upon. He mentioned:
“I do feel two crucial gaps must be addressed post-haste. The priority will be to invest in a batsman who can bowl just a few overs of medium pace, whether that be Venkatesh Iyer or Shivam Dube. This choice doesn’t necessarily have to be a back-up to Hardik Pandya but a standalone choice because it will give the captain more flexibility in picking his 11.”
VVS Laxman further continued:
“The other would be zeroing in on two solid pacemen capable of supporting Jasprit Bumrah and capitalizing on the pace and bounce Australia is certain to offer. If one of them is a left-arm who brings a different angle of operation, then all the better. The process of identification and grooming must begin immediately so that by the time of the World Cup, these players are comfortable and secure in their roles and are fully aware of the responsibilities they’re entrusted with.”
After exiting early from the T20 WC 2021 India will commence its practice for the next World Cup from 17th Nov. for which NZ will be visiting India for a 3 match T20I series.
