Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma said on Thursday that choosing between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper batter in one-day international (ODI) matches is a difficult choice, as both players are “match-winners” in their own unique ways. Pant recently returned to the Indian team during the T20 World Cup in the Americas, while Rahul is looking forward to playing his first ODI game since January in the upcoming match against Sri Lanka on Friday. Rohit mentioned during a pre-match press conference that both players are talented and have proven their abilities as match-winners, having contributed significantly to the team’s victories in the past.
Rohit added that it is always better to have too many good options rather than not having enough.
“Choosing a team or a player isn’t simple when they’re all so good. It’s great to have such a tough choice because it shows the team is full of talent. I enjoy facing these kinds of decisions as the captain,” he said with a smile.
Rohit mentioned that no matter who is selected, the key for the player is to be able to play without holding back.
The 37-year-old added that the management has already made the locker room a comfortable place, allowing the players to focus on their game without any worries.
“The key point is to give players the freedom to do what they want, and it’s our duty to make sure we provide a space where they can do that. We’ve already set up this space for players to come and play without restrictions.
“This way, they don’t have to worry too much about how well they’re doing or the outcome. If you’re playing the game the way the team wants, we’re very pleased,” he said.
Rohit mentioned that Suryakumar Yadav, who took over as India’s T20I captain after him, has performed well in his initial series as leader.
“He’s just getting started as captain, so I don’t want to say too much about it. He’s done an excellent job so far, and I hope he keeps it up.
“We tend to judge things too quickly, whether we win or lose. Let him keep doing his job consistently, and then we can discuss it,” he explained.
With Suryakumar leading the team, India won all three matches against Sri Lanka in the recent T20I series, and Rohit called it a promising start.
“It’s a good beginning for them in this format. They played well together, which is what the Indian team is known for. I believe they are on the right path,” he added.
