Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday ruled out drastic changes to the winning combination ahead of the second Test against the West Indies but admitted that inclement weather did not help in getting clarity about the Queen’s Park Oval track.
India won the first Test by an innings and 141 runs and unlike earlier times, the Indian captain made a refreshing change by announcing the debut of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill’s new batting position.
“In Dominica, we had a clear idea when we saw the pitch and knew the conditions. Here we don’t have clarity because of the rain, but I don’t think there will be any major changes. But whatever the conditions are available, Based on that, we will take that decision,” Rohit said 48 hours before leading India in the historic 100th Test West Indies.
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Although the captain didn’t name anyone, the only weak link in the line-up is left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat, who didn’t look as potent as Mohammed Siraj or Shardul Thakur in the opener.
As a new bowler, Rohit bowled him only nine overs in two innings, of which he sent only two overs in the second innings.
The Indian team management can’t be faulted if they have a third spinner in Axar Patel who can create problems for the Caribbean team, or use more aggressive swing bowling like Mukesh Kumar if conditions are bad. Can
The skipper, who scored his 10th Test century in the first Test, was happy that youngsters like Jaiswal made the most of the opportunity by scoring 171 runs in the very first match. Rohit believes that change in Indian cricket will happen sooner or later but what role the senior players play is important.
“Change has to happen, whether it is today or tomorrow but I am happy that our boys who are coming are doing well. And our role is important because we have to make the role clear to them. Now it is up to them how they Want to prepare and perform for the team… and we trust those guys and obviously they are the future of Indian cricket and they will take Indian cricket to new heights,” Rohit said.
He is also hopeful that the West Indies will make a comeback in the historic Test between the two countries.
“It’s an honor to lead the Indian team in this game and it doesn’t happen every day. Both teams have a lot of history, played very good cricket. I wouldn’t expect anything different in this Test. I’m sure They (Windies) will bounce back and it will be exciting for both the teams.”