India’s stand-in head coach, VVS Laxman said India will be looking to find T20 specialists after the exit from the T20 World Cup 2022 in the semis. England has set the benchmark with their fearless brand of cricket as they have bowlers who can bat as well which helped them to beat Pakistan in the final. Speaking to media ahead of the New Zealand limited overs tour, Laxman said multi-dimensional players are the need of the hour in T20 cricket.
As per the quotes in the Times of India, VVS Laxman said, “In white ball cricket, you need specialist players, and going forward, in T20 cricket, you will see a lot more T20 specialists. T20 cricket has shown us over the years that you need multi-dimensional cricketers. We have bowlers who can bat and batters who can bowl. More number of bowlers who can bat allows the team to have depth and batters to have the freedom to go out and express themselves.”
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The next T20 World Cup will be taking place in 2024 but India will hit the reset button during the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, followed by as many ODIs. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the stand-in skipper and he is seen as the future captain of the T20 unit. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are the other top-order batters who have been rested for the series.
Talking about the same, VVS Laxman said, “T20 cricket requires to play with a lot of freedom and clarity of thought and whatever time I have spent with these players and watch them grow in international cricket, that is their strength. “It is important to play with that freedom but also you need to assess conditions and fulfill the needs of the team.”
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— BCCI (@BCCI) November 16, 2022
The top order’s slow approach was immensely criticized in Australia and VVS Laxman expects the likes of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan to bat fearlessly in the absence of senior players.
Laxman elaborated, “We have a top order that has the capability to bat fearlessly. My message to top order is to bat fearlessly and express yourself but also change your strategy as per the game situation. Yes, we don’t have KL, Rohit, and Virat here but who are here are also experienced enough players.”
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 16, 2022
VVS Laxman also added that the series can witness the reunion of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the playing eleven as India aim for wickets in the middle overs. Though India’s vast pool of talent has not led to a major title since 2013, Laxman opines the team is blessed to have fringe players who are ready for the highest level.
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India’s interim head coach said, “A lot of cricket is being played and there is no doubt about that and that’s why India is fortunate to have so many players to choose from. And as team management and selection committee members, we need to be mindful about knowing when to give certain players breaks. Breaks are important not only to get them physically rejuvenated but also mentally.”
