Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said Thursday that filling in the footsteps of veteran activists Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane will not be easy.
Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara played a big part in India becoming No. 1 in Tests: Rohit Sharma (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rohit Sharma said it was not the end of the road for Rahane and Pujara
- Rahane and Pujara played a big role in India becoming No. 1 in Tests: Rohit
- Rahane and Pujara were dropped by the Indian side for the Sri Lankan series
India captain Rohit Sharma, who begins his tenure as captain with the first Test in Mohali, confirmed Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane will remain in the team’s “future plans” but added that following in their footsteps will not be easy to fill.
Rahane and Pujara were dropped by the Indian side for the two-game Test series against Sri Lanka. Rohit said both Rahane and Pujara played a big role in India becoming No. 1 in the game’s longest format while discussing their future with the Test team.
“Look, Rahane and Pujara are big footsteps, it’s never going to be easy for anyone who comes in, even I honestly don’t know who’s going to come in for Rahane and Pujara. Look what Pujara and Rahane have done for this team, words can’t describe it, all those years of hard work and playing 80-90 odd Tests, all those overseas Test wins. India got first place in tests, these guys helped us in that situation and they played a big role in that,” Rohit said during a virtual press conference.
“There is no way these guys will not be considered in the future, they will be in our plans. As the selector also said, we have not considered them for the time being. There is nothing about them not being. ” later consider for the series,” he added.
When asked about his preferred opening partner in KL Rahul’s absence, Rohit said: “I’m a captain, I prefer everyone to be on the team. We’ll see and analyze everything and then take a call.” Mayank, Shubman, Shreyas and Vihari are all brilliant and they are the future of Indian cricket.”
“I think they need to get a solid run for them to excel in this format and it’s important that we do that. It will start with management showing enough support and support, so let’s hope these guys have enough support, not just from me, but you guys will help too,” he added.
