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In the second ODI at Barbados on Sunday, India faced a defeat by six wickets as the hosts levelled the three-match series at 1-1.
Addressing the media, Dravid explained that due to the unfortunate number of injuries within the team, they are using this opportunity to test out new players who could serve as reliable backups in crucial positions.
“This was our last chance to be able to try out our players. We have got a few of our players who are injured, who are (recuperating) in the NCA (National Cricket Academy),” said the India coach.
“With (only) months to go for the World Cup (begins October 5) or Asia Cup (begins August 30), we are kind of running out of time in a lot of ways, and we are hopeful that at least some of them will be fit for the Asia Cup and the World Cup. But we cannot take our chances as we have to try out other people, so that in a worst case scenario they have game-time behind them.”
Both Rohit and Kohli didn’t play the second ODI and had pushed themselves down the order in the first match of the series.
“We will always look into the bigger picture and we cannot think about every single game and series. In a series like this, with only two-three matches to go before the World Cup and Asia Cup, playing Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma) would not have given us answers,” Dravid added.
When questioned about the criticism surrounding the Indian team’s selection of the playing eleven, Dravid stated that they are not concerned about the outside opinion. Instead, their primary focus is on providing valuable opportunities to young players to showcase their talent and potential.
“We are not too worried about others’ opinions. These are talented boys from our country; they all have performed and come here. It is up to them to take the opportunity when they are given the opportunity,” said the head coach.
But like in the first ODI, only Ishan Kishan came to the fore on Saturday with a run-a-ball 55 as an opener. He had scored 52 in the first match of the series. Shubman Gill (34) and Suryakumar Yadav (24) once again failed to make the most of their starts.
Batting at No. 3, Sanju Samson scored only 9, while all-rounders Axar Pael (1) and stand-in captain Hardik Pandya (7) also failed with the bat. India ended up being bowled out for 181 in 40.5 overs.
West Indies then chased down the target in 36.4 overs, thanks to unbeaten knocks by skipper Shai Hope (64*) and Keacy Carty (48*) despite Shardul Thakur’s burst of 3/42.
“We are a little disappointed…We knew it was a tricky wicket and not an easy wicket to bat on, but we needed to somehow get to 230-240. That could have been a very good score. We lost wickets in the middle and were 50-60 runs short,” he added.
According to Dravid, although Suryakumar Yadav has room for growth in the ODI format, the team is receptive to providing him with opportunities to develop and excel in his cricketing journey.
(AI image)
“Surya is a really good player; there is no doubt about it, his performance has shown that. Unfortunately, I think he would also be the first one to admit that his ODI (skills) have not been up to his own high standards that he has set in T20s. He is also learning one-day cricket. He is a good player, and we want to give him as many opportunities as we can and then it is up to him to take those opportunities,” Dravid added.
“I think Ishan has done really well, again, he is taking the opportunities when he has been given a chance, and that is what we want from young players.”
(With agency inputs)
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