18 April 2024 last updated at 15:13 GMT
 
Rohit backs India’s bench strength
Tuesday 13 September 2011

Batsman Rohit Sharma was one of the victims of the ill-fated injury list of the Indian team during the England tour. But the 24-year-old is adamant that India have a potent and experienced bench strength that is worthy of filling in when required.

"I absolutely don't agree that we don't have bench strength. Some of the youngsters are competing against a full-fledged England team and we've fought well in difficult situations. We are missing seven Indian players who were part of the World Cup playing XI. In the Test series, injuries to key players set us back. In the one-dayers, Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir got injured, which was a huge blow," he told The Times of India.

Rohit added: "The rain too spoilt our chances in the ODIs. We started off well and were in a good position to win the opening match but it was rained off. A win at the beginning could have given us some momentum. It was the same story at Southampton, the Oval and Lord's."

The finger injury came at a very inopportune time for the right-hander, who is now doubtful for the Champions League as well as the five-match ODI series against England at home. "I was extremely disappointed but certain things are beyond our control. I was the man of the series in the previous ODI series in the West Indies. No other cricket team has had so many injuries at the same time." he said.

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