After India’s thumping win over New Zealand a few days ago, Shastri, in his post-match interview, hinted at resting opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for the upcoming home series against Australia. If Indian Head Coach Ravi Shastri’s recent comments are anything to go by, the cricket fans in Vizag may be in for a major disappointment.
“There would still be one or two places we would be looking at. In general, the team picks itself. What you want is the team not losing form with five games to go for the World Cup. You, in fact, should grab every opportunity you get and make the most of it. Now, Shami would need a break – he has had a long season. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan could get a break as well,” Shastri told Star Sports.
India is slated to take on Australia in a two-match T20I series and five-match ODI series in February and March. With the recent change in the venues, the series would be kickstarted with the first T20I in Vizag on 24 February. However, if the team management opts to rest the blistering duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, the fans would certainly end up disappointed, given the high-grade batsmanship that the two Indian cricketers would otherwise bring to the fore.
Sharma and Dhawan form one of the most formidable batting partnerships in the modern-day game. Capable of tearing apart any bowling unit on their day, the batsmen have been playing key roles in composing many of India’s victories in the recent past.
It may be noted that both Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have special memories of Vizag. While Dhawan made his ODI debut in Vizag in 2010, Sharma essayed a few memorable IPL and international knocks at the ACA VDCA stadium in the city.
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