India vs New Zealand: "Important To Groom Everyone" Feels India's New T20 Skipper Rohit Sharma Ahead Of NZ Series

India T20I captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday said the need of the hour is to groom every youngster possible and not just look at one or two spots. India and New Zealand will be squaring off in a three-match T20I series, beginning Wednesday in Jaipur. This is the first assignment in charge for head coach Rahul Dravid and full-time T20I skipper Rohit. "Yeah, I think it is important to you know groom everyone. I understand the importance of a bowling all-rounder but you know, keeping one particular spot in focus is not the way forward. 

"We just have to look at entire squad we have and how we can fit in the players and how we can be effective as a team. For that, whatever is required and whoever can do the job, we will keep an eye on that player," said Rohit while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference.

"You know it is not about one or two individuals and keeping an eye on them. It is about the entire unit we have. People who are playing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, people who are back home, all of those guys as well. Keeping an eye on all players is important, we are going to do that and see whatever is required for us to be a successful team, we will do that," he added.

Asked how important player security is, Rohit said: "I know it is the important aspect of the format where people have assurances of taking chances in the middle. If it comes off, it comes off and if it doesn't, it doesn't. It is where both of us (Rohit and Rahul) need to play a huge role and a huge part in terms of giving an individual assurance of going out and expressing themselves."

"It is an important part of this format where you need to play fearlessly and while doing that, there are chances you are not successful all the times. You are always challenged, pressure is there. We will certainly keep an eye on that aspect. The entire setup will play a huge part in this. You need to instil confidence even if someone fails, as long as they are trying to do a role for the team, we are happy," he added.

Talking about the desired template for the shortest format, Rohit said: "We need to set the template right. India has been brilliant in this format, we have not won the ICC tournament but we played well as a team and we performed well. There are little holes we need to fill up and make sure that things are looked after. That will be biggest challenge, there are holes in every team, the way you fill those is what matters. We have to follow and create our own template. It is important to go with what works for us."

"For us, to give players the longer rope and confidence will hold the key, it will be about that. We are starting fresh after the World Cup, we have some ideas and thoughts for this series, let's see how it pans out and we will take it from there," he added.

Rohit also spoke about how Kane Williamson is a big player, but New Zealand is still strong without him leading the Kiwis in the T20I series.

"New Zealand is a very formidable team, we have seen that over the years. They play well as a team, having said that, this team is not really dependent on one player. I know Williamson is a big player and he leads the well, but they have players who can take the game away from the opposition. You have seen that in the World Cup, different individuals have done well. Williamson will be missed for them, but they have 10 other brilliant individuals," said Rohit.

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team Rohit Sharma India vs New Zealand 2021 Rahul Dravid Cricket