ENG vs IND: Time will tell whether loss at Edgbaston will have an impact, says Rohit Sharma
ENG vs IND: India is currently defeated and demoralised. However, Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain, stated on Wednesday that only “time will tell” how the devastating defeat at Edgbaston will affect the team in the long run.
As the hosts, in an unbelievable turnaround, accomplished their highest-ever run chase in Test cricket, India missed a great chance to win their first series in England since 2007.
“It’s obviously disappointing to not come out as victors. The Test series was for India to win. That said, time will tell whether that loss will have any impact in the T20I and ODI series against England,” Rohit said on the eve of the first T20I here.
“That was a different format and this will be a different one,” Rohit, who missed the rescheduled Covid-delayed Test after contracting the viral infection, added.
In Birmingham on Tuesday, England defeated India by seven wickets thanks to hundreds from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow.
In the morning session of the fifth and final day, England overcame the 378-run mark with Root and Bairstow still undefeated on 142 and 114, respectively.
Umran in our scheme of things
Pace phenom Umran Malik who recently made his T20I debut against Ireland, is important in their plan, according to Rohit.
“Umran is very much in our plans. Right now, we are trying to give him an understanding on what his role would be and what the team requires from him. We have to see where we can bowl him,” Rohit said.
Rohit described Umran as an interesting potential for this Indian team and stressed the importance of the team management comprehending how well the 22-year-old fits into the group.
“Umran is definitely one of those players… and keeping the World Cup in our sights, we want to see what he has to offer to us. So, it’s all about giving him that ideal role of a pacer, depending upon the situations,” Rohit added.
One eye on T20 World Cup
The three-match T20 series against England would provide his team with the perfect opportunity to gauge their progress ahead of the 2018 T20 World Cup, according to the Indian captain, who participated in the practise sessions for the first time since recovering from Covid-19.
“With one eye on the World Cup later this year, this is an important series for us. That said, every game for India is important right now and we want to get our job done in this series as well,” Rohit said.
“The hunger is definitely there whenever we are representing India. So, it’s not going to be any different this time too,” he added.
While the Test players, such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant, will join the team for the second game of the series, the likes of Rurutaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan might once again don the national colours for the series opener.
“There are many young players in this side who have rightfully earned opportunities to play for India through their brilliant performances for their state and IPL teams.
“England will be a challenging side for us. I am sure these (boys) who have been here for a while, played a handful of games against Ireland and a few practice games as well, will be looking forward to this T20 series,” Rohit remarked.
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