Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Monday admitted that the team’s middle-order is still fluid and their objective will be to identify players for the number 4 and 6 slot during the Asia Cup.
India will start their Asia Cup campaign against minnows Hong Kong on Tuesday followed by the big game against Pakistan on Wednesday.
However, the problem for India during the past one year is the lack of a settled middle-order, which was evident during the recent ODI series defeat in England.
Rohit made it clear that the likes of Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu are fighting for the key middle-order slots.
“Lot of spots are up for grabs like nos. 3, 4 and 6. All these guys (Kedar, Manish, Rayudu) are eyeing for those slots. We want to give chances to as many guys for this particular series. In this tournament, we need to seal the batting slot Nos 4 and 6,” Rohit said on the eve of the opening game against Hong Kong.
Rohit’s answer was an indication that MS Dhoni will bat at number five.
Ambati Rayudu is back in the Indian team having cleared the Yo-Yo test and he also performed well in the Quadrangular series for India A. Kedar Jadhav is back having recovered from a hamstring surgery.
“They are both important members of this team. Rayudu was originally part of England series and similarly Kedar before his injury. It was unfortunate that they couldn’t play for some time and I am very happy that both are back in the team. I expect them to win matches for India,” said Rohit.
I'm happy that @RayuduAmbati and @JadhavKedar are back. They are important members – @ImRo45 #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/OXOan1NNBh
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2018
On a personal note, Rohit is excited as well as nervous as this is the biggest tournament for him as India captain.
“I am excited as well as nervous. It is a big tournament for me. I know all the boys well. I understand them well which is necessary,” he signed off.
Slightly nervous, but excited to lead this squad in the #AsiaCup2018 – Captain @ImRo45 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/eQfN8ryAQf
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2018
