Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes the focus will be on the new head coach Rahul Dravid and new T20I skipper Rohit Sharma in the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand.
India will look to start afresh after they were knocked out of the T20 World Cup in the Super 12 stage.
Rohit has been named as the new T20I skipper and the talisman is expected to deliver the goods for the team. The experienced batter has led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles and he would look to replicate the same success while leading India in the shortest format of the game.
Rohit is known to have a calm mind on his shoulders and he is expected to lead from the front. On the other hand, all eyes will also be on Rahul Dravid, who has taken over the coaching baton from Ravi Shastri. Dravid is well known to get the best out of the young players and he will look to take Indian cricket to new heights.
After bowing out in the early stage of the T20 World Cup 2021, the duo of Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma will look to prepare India well for the next World Cup.
While previewing the series between India and New Zealand on Cricbuzz, Khan said: “India will be absolutely hurt about not making it to the semis. It will be the talk of the series. In many ways, this is turning a new page in Indian cricket. The series chatter and the focus will be on Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. Also, where Indian cricket is going in terms of strategy and tactics.”
On the other hand, India’s wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik added that talent is in abundance in the country and it would be interesting to note how Rahul Dravid will make the most of it.
“The players have been rested rightly so. A few players have been on the road for far too long. The Shamis, Bumrahs, Kohlis, good to see that they are all taking a break. A very young lot has come in, some interesting names in the squad. Talent is of abundance in India, Rahul Dravid is going to be spoiled for talent, it is only how they group together and do it.”
The first T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Jaipur on Wednesday.
