India’s new ODI opening combination of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma might have clicked, but former chief selector Kiran More is wary of dismissing the comeback chances of senior batsmen Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
“Competition is a healthy sign for Indian cricket. Whoever performs will be in the team. If somebody is unfit then Gambhir or Sehwag, or (even) Zaheer Khan, can walk in. You need experience when you go on tough tours. Overall, it is looking good and you can fall back on some of the players,” More said.
The left-right combination of Delhi’s Dhawan and Mumbai’s Rohit has done exceedingly well in the short time it has been in action with India riding on the duo’s consistency to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy in England and the triangular series in the West Indies.
Praising the opener’s performance, More was of the opinion that one of the two experienced senior openers could return to the mix provided they do consistently well in the upcoming domestic season, as that would give the team more options if either of the youngerster fails.
“They (Gambhir and Sehwag) have to keep performing in domestic cricket. They need to have the belief. It is a healthy competition. All these players who are playing at the moment could also have a bad phase and some of these guys can come into the team then.
“When you look at the balance of the team, Rohit as an opener is doing well for the team. The selectors, coach and captain gave him the opportunity and he grabbed it. His experience is helping him. Definitely he is a class player. He is doing well.
“Shikhar and Rohit are also good fielders and have put up good partnerships. But you need to look at one more option. So even Sehwag or Gambhir can come in the team, if they get the opportunity,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2015 World Cup, More said India need to iron out some problems in the pace department and should have good back-up options.
“Most of the fast bowlers have major injuries. To come back and get into the team is not so easy. Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are bowling well. We need to look at a few more options in the fast bowling department.”