Opener could ask for rest in Tests; selectors to look for batters who can bowl also
NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has already got down to working on rebuilding the Indian white-ball team. TOI understands that Rohit Sharma is slated to become the full-time T20I captain for the home series against New Zealand which starts on November 17, provided he doesn't opt to rest.
It is learned that the team for the next series will be selected only after India have played the last league game of the T20 World Cup. The selectors will have to chalk out a roadmap following the shock losses to Pakistan and New Zealand in the big ICC tournament. They will also have to rest some players who have been on the road for months.
Rohit Sharma is likely to ask for a rest but it's unlikely that he will be sitting out of the T20Is. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant's workload is also being monitored. "The T20Is (against New Zealand) will be over in five days. Skipping the two-Test series could give them more time outside the bubble before boarding the flight to South Africa immediately after the second Test.
"It's unlikely that Pant will ask for any rest but the call lies with the selectors and the new coaching staff that will come in. If Rohit asks for rest, he may get it during the Test series," a BCCI source said.
It will be interesting to see if Virat Kohli opts to rest.
The race for the vice-captaincy is also hotting up between KL Rahul and Pant. The new team management and selectors are likely to build a young team going forward.
HARDIK LESSON: GETTING BATTERS TO BOWL
The over-dependence on Hardik Pandya the allrounder has been a rude lesson for the selectors. Indian cricket has failed to groom a backup seam-bowling allrounder and Hardik has been an automatic choice despite the uncertainties around his bowling availability. The lack of a sixth bowling option has disrupted the team's balance.
"The selectors are going to send out a message to top order batters that they need to bowl. It's a culture that has gone missing from Indian cricket. Venkatesh Iyer is a good prospect. The likes of Prithvi Shaw will be encouraged to bowl more," a source said.
It is likely that the board will look into Hardik's case more seriously. "His injury management is under the scanner. It needs to be seen how strong his future is as a bowling allrounder. He will be used accordingly," the source added.
