One-up in the three match ODI series against Afghanistan, India aren’t mulling too many changes in the second game in Lucknow on Wednesday. In fact, the hosts might even go unchanged tomorrow, with the team’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule dropping a hint in this regard.
“To be honest it’s such a short series, we really don’t feel that there can be too many changes made,” said Bahutule at the pre-match presser on Tuesday. “But we’ll still have to decide, as I mentioned earlier also, in terms of what the combination is going to be. Three games can’t really have that understanding of what other batting positions we can give or can’t give. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
He added: “I think we still have to have a look at the pitch. We’ll have a look at the pitch and then decide and take a call what our combination is going to be. Definitely different conditions (here) compared to Dharamsala; much hotter.”
A question on Rohit Sharma came along the expected lines, and Bahutule stonewalled the veteran opener. He spoke in glowing terms about the former captain.
“Rohit is definitely an experienced player,” said the newly appointed spin-bowling coach. “He is a champion cricketer. He is somebody who adds value to this team with his experience, not only batting-wise but his leadership qualities also rubs (off) on to all the boys, including Shubman (Gill). So I think him being in the side is definitely very, very important and he is somebody who understands what is expected from him and from the team. He is just looking forward to every match and all the work he is putting in is like he has just started playing.”
Rohit was unfortunate to be run-out for a run-a-ball 16 in the first ODI in Dharamsala. During his short stay at the crease, the 39-year-old looked good. He has gone back to his pre-2023 World Cup batting template — a slow burn — since last October. Given his range, strike-rate will never be an issue once he gets going.
