CUTTACK: World champions India will rely on their young stars to deliver when they take on West Indies in the One-Day International (ODI) series starting in Cuttack today.
The hosts have rested superstar Sachin Tendulkar and captain MS Dhoni for the five-match series, and have put their faith in young guns Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. However, the man in the spotlight will be newcome Ravichandran Ashwin, who grabbed 22 wickets with his off-spin in his debut Test series and also scored a century in the final match in Mumbai.
Stand-in captain Virender Sehwag believes that the series will provide a fine opportunity to the younger players to prove their worth.
“It’s great that young players are getting such opportunities,” he said. “They have five matches to show their skills and secure their places in the side. There’s no reason why we can’t win if each one plays to his potential. It’s a young side, but a very determined side.”
Sammy wants consistency
West Indies captain Darren Sammy, on the other hand, wanted his side to be more consistent in the ODIs after an improved show in the final Test in Mumbai.
“As a team we’re making some strides, but we still need more consistency,” said Sammy. “We did some good things earlier this year against Pakistan and India at home and we beat Bangladesh away from home. In the Tests with India here we didn’t capitalise on key moments.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2011.
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