On Sunday, India suffered a six-wicket defeat against the West Indies in the second ODI match held in Barbados.
Rahul Dravid mentioned that due to several injuries among players, they are experimenting with backup options.
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, emphasized the team’s focus on the larger objectives, namely the World Cup and Asia Cup. Consequently, they are experimenting with various players during the series against the West Indies.
After a six-wicket loss to the West Indies in the second ODI match in Barbados on Sunday, Dravid addressed the media and explained that the team has several players dealing with injuries, leading them to explore backup options.
“This was our final opportunity to test our players as we have a few of them nursing injuries and undergoing treatment at the NCA. With only a few months left until the World Cup and Asia Cup, time is running short, and we’re hopeful that some of them will recover in time for these tournaments.
However, we can’t afford to take any chances, so we must give opportunities to other players. This way, in a worst-case scenario, they will have valuable game time under their belts,” he explained.
“We will always consider the broader perspective, and it’s not feasible to focus on every individual game and series.”
“In a series like this, with just two-three matches left before the World Cup and Asia Cup, including Virat and Rohit in the playing XI wouldn’t have provided us with the answers we need,” the former Indian player explained.
Regarding the criticism faced by the Indian team regarding their Playing XI selection, Dravid expressed that they are not concerned about others’ opinions and are focused on providing opportunities to young players.
