With the eagerly anticipated clash between India and Bangladesh in the ongoing Champions Trophy fast approaching, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in team’s readiness to tackle any conditions. Rohit Sharma, while addressing the press conference, highlighted India’s preparedness to face any challenge the tournament throws at them, particularly with their opening match against Bangladesh, which is scheduled for Thursday in Dubai.
India are familiar with the venue, having played a lot here in the past. There is overcast for Thursday in Dubai, but Sharma has claimed that India are ready to deal with any adversity.
"If it's going to be overcast, we have the bowling arsenal to combat that. If there are overhead conditions helping the bowlers, we have the bowlers to exploit that. And if we bat in those overhead conditions, the batters know exactly what to do," Rohit said.
Rohit also lauded Gill’s ability and hoped for a great tournament for him.
“Gill is a very classy player and there has been no doubt about his ability. Certain players have their strenght in certain format. His numbers are crazy. He has been superb for us. There is a reason why he has been elevated to vice captain,” he said.
Varun Chakarvarthy had a memorable series against England and on the back of he he was brought into India’s Champions Trophy squad. When asked about the experience of facing him in the nets, Rohit said he doesn’t bowl too many variations in nets, but he has certain tactics.
"He doesn't bowl too many variations to us in the nets. He bowls just one type of delivery. Maybe, he doesn't want to show his variations even to us. But that is a good thing. He has got certain weapons which he wants to just put it out there, when it actually matters. I am more than happy if he wants to do that," Rohit said.
"But, he has got something different which is why he is here with us. He has been impressive in the last eight to nine months. That is why we wanted to bring him here and see what he has and what he can do for India on the big stage."
India have five spinners in their squad including Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who are well capable of helping the side with bat as well. But, there has been criticism surrounding the inclusion of five spinners. Talking about them, Rohit highlighted their skills with both bat and ball.
"Those three guys - Jadeja, Axar, and Washy - give us a different dimension to the game, our combination, and our squad, and add a lot of depth. That is why we tried to get players who have two skills rather than one."