Youngsters will be given exposure and a role to play - Rohit Sharma on the importance of three-match ODI series vs West Indies

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma outlined why the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, beginning with the first game today at Barbados, will hold a lot of importance given the upcoming World Cup in October 2023.

Although the Indian team boasts of a star-studded lineup with regulars in the squad, the pace-bowling unit wears a thin look in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah (injured), Mohammed Shami (rested) and Mohammed Siraj, who has reportedly flown back to India citing workload management.

The three-match series presents an opportunity for India to test out various combinations in their quest to eventually land the best XI ahead of the quadrennial event, and Rohit spoke about how the management will look to try players in different roles to see how they fit into the XI. 

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the 1st ODI, Rohit said, “This series is very important for us because many of the guys are new and haven’t played a lot of cricket. They will be given exposure and a particular role to play. It will also allow us to see how the guys execute that role and respond to it.”

Rohit also referred to India opting for a similar strategy last year and said, “Even before the T20 World Cup last year, we did the same thing where the new faces were given a role and we observed how they executed that role. Even here we have three matches and we will see who to give opportunities to, what we can do, what we cannot do and after that, we will take a decision after the next 10-12 ODIs.”