India is all set to take its winning streak to another level if they are able to defeat South Arica in the first T20I. In Rohit Sharma’s absence, KL Rahul will lead the side starting June 9th. A couple of days prior to the 1st T20I, India head coach Dravid addressed a press conference. The former batter cleared the air around the possible combinations and Playing XI. Moreover, Hardik Pandya who led GT to the IPL Trophy recently had talked of batting at 4. However, Rahul Dravid hinted at utilizing Hardik, the finisher. In addition, Rahul Dravid also hinted that Umran malik might not be included in the Playing XI right away. Dravid expects fans to be sensible and not question when all-format players are given the much-needed rest.
Rahul Dravid makes a big statement on Umran Malik
Youngster Umran had made heads turn with his pace, this IPL. Moreover, it was his ability to bowl quickly that earned him his maiden call-up. While many hoped of Malik to make his India debut at Delhi in the 1st T20I. Rahul Dravid hints that Umran Malik might have to wait for the India cap.
“Yeah, it is exciting. He certainly bowled quick and with pace. Another thing which has been interesting for me watching the IPL from the outside is the number of Indian bowlers bowling fast. And obviously, being coach of all three formats of the game, I would love to see that translated into the longer formats of the game. But it is brilliant in terms of watching Umran in the nets, you can see that he has got that pace.
Obviously, he is learning. He is a young boy and he is getting better, improving. The more he is able to play, the better he is going to get. From our, perspective, very happy to have someone like him in the mix. We have to see how much playing time we can give him, we need to be realistic, we have a large squad, it is not possible to give everyone playing XI time. I think I am certainly someone who likes to have that consistency, give people te and let him feel settled in the positions. It would be interesting time to see how much playing time we give to Umran, we also have Arshdeep here who is brilliant as well.
We have experience in the form of guys who have been with us before, Harshal, Bhuvi, and Avesh. There are certain things we need to look at but it is nice and exciting to have a couple of young guys in the mix as well. It has given an opportunity for us to broaden our pool and see what they can do.”
“Unwise to expect everyone to be available all the time” Dravid explains Rohit Sharma’s absence
The newly-appointed India skipper Rohit Sharma misses this series alongside Virat Kohli, Bumrah, Shami, and some others. Several experts have questioned Rohit’s absence. But, Dravid emphasizes that the management needs to make sure its star players are fit for the upcoming events. In addition to the 5th re-scheduled Test against England. The T20 WC 2022 is also set to take place by October. Moreover, Rahul also found another positive that some youngsters will get a chance to show their potential at the international level since big players miss the series.
“Rohit is our all-format player. It would be unwise to expect everyone to be available every single game, every single time. We want to ensure that they are fit for the big tournaments, we need to manage them before that to ensure that they are peaking at the big games. Obviously, with the one-off Test match in the UK, which was a spillover from last year, we need to ensure that we are able to get the best side available for that Test match. With the kind of busy schedule that we have, it doesn’t bother us.
We understand that there are times we will have to rest our big players and we may not be able to field our strongest side all the time but it is also an exciting opportunity for a lot of younger guys, which they probably might not have got. It helps us improve the depth of our squad, so there are some positives as well.”
“Sometimes you have to play different roles for different teams” Rahul Dravid hints at Hardik playing as a finisher
Dravid was happy seeing one of India’s finest all-rounders of the current set-up get back to form after almost 2 years. Moreover, Dravid has put a lot of confidence in Hardik and hints to use him as a finisher.
“It’s really pleasing to have him back. Hardik at his best is a fantastic cricketer with the bat and ball. We have seen that with India in the past. Obviously, he has been successful in white-ball cricket and has shown really good form in this IPL. Without giving too much away about the batting orders before the game starts, sometimes the roles that you play with the franchise match the roles that you play for India but sometimes you have to play different roles for different teams. Based on our team combination and the players who are already established in certain positions, that can happen from time to time.”
“Dinesh Karthik has shown great consistency”: Rahul Dravid
Dinesh Karthik was exceptional this IPL, smashing quick runs when his team needed it the most. Moreover, he maintained a strike rate of over 180, going on to be named ‘Super Striker’ of IPL 2022. His 30* off 8 was one of the best innings of IPL 2022. Dravid has acknowledged how Karthik has been consistent over the years. Moreover, he hopes Karthik can perform for India in the same manner.
“With Dinesh, it’s pretty obvious. It’s very clear that he has made a comeback based on the skills that he has shown in a particular phase of the game. At that backend, Dinesh has really been able to show great consistency for the last 2 to 3 years. He has been able to make a difference in whichever team he has played. I don’t see it any different and that’s why he has been picked. He has been picked to bat in that kind of position and see whether he can replicate those kind of performances for India.”
