Chief coach Rahul Dravid has stated that India doesn't have plans to rest first-choice players for their last preliminary league encounter against the Netherlands in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Despite India already securing a top-place finish in the table, Dravid emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and rhythm. India has been unbeaten in the tournament, winning all eight matches, and is considered the favorite against the Netherlands.
While some suggest resting key players to give others on the bench an opportunity, Dravid did not commit to such plans. The players have had sufficient rest since their last match, and the team aims to continue their winning streak in the upcoming match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
"I mean, honestly, we've had six days off from the last game. So, we're pretty well rested and the guys are in good shape. That's all I'll say without giving away the level. So, we've had six days off, we've got one game before the semi-final. The boys are rested. So that's all I'll say," said Dravid in the pre-match press conference before Sunday's match against the Netherlands.
When questioned about maintaining a balance between fielding a strong playing XI and keeping players on the bench ready for potential scenarios, Rahul Dravid emphasized that their current focus is on selecting the best possible playing XI. The chief coach didn't commit to specific plans for rotating players or giving those on the bench more opportunities at this stage. The priority seems to be on fielding a competitive team that ensures continued success in the tournament.
"So now at this stage, it's about just focusing on getting the guys who you think are going to be playing in the 11 in the best possible space mentally and physically to be able to play that semifinal and hopefully the final if we earn it.
"So that will be the single-pointed thinking it's not about there are times there are times for larger picture thinking and there are times for narrow focus thinking in my opinion and now's the time for sure narrow focus thinking if everyone is fit," he said.
India has faced challenges in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, losing Hardik Pandya to injury. Mohammad Shami has been a noteworthy replacement, performing well and claiming a couple of five-wicket hauls in the four matches he has played so far. Shami's ability to contribute effectively was facilitated by his prior match experience before the World Cup.
The situation is different for players like Prasidh Krishna, who was approved as a replacement for Hardik Pandya. Krishna, having not played much cricket in the recent past, might face challenges in adapting quickly to the competitive T20 World Cup environment. The team management faces decisions on how to strategically utilize players on the bench and ensure readiness for any future requirements in the tournament.
(With Agency Inputs)
