'You're saying me and Shikhar should sit on the bench' - Rohit Sharma on giving opportunity to Gaikwad, Kishan

India white-ball skipper Rohit Sharma addressed the media ahead of the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Detailing what lies ahead of India in the limited-overs cricket, Rohit revealed his side's plan to target the upcoming T20 and ODI World Cup.

When asked about captaincy in Test cricket, Rohit dodged the question twice, saying that his focus currently lies on limited-overs cricket solely.

"There's time for that. My focus is on limited-overs cricket. Workload management is important. We could lose a few series because we need to keep changing players, but we're ready for that. Forget Test captaincy for now. I have no idea for now. Like I said, there is the WI and SL series for now to focus on," the newly-crowned ODI captain said during the press conference. 

When asked about giving opportunities to youngsters in the top three, Rohit replied wittily as he said for that to happen, he and Dhawan would need to sit out from the playing XI.

"You are saying me and Shikhar should sit on the bench and give Ruturaj and Ishan chances at the top? The top 3 batters in the Indian ODI team have done very well. Young batters will get opportunities. Ishan is getting one. There are a lot of matches. The ones who do well will get opportunities. Dhawan did well in SA but is now affected by Covid. Ishan is getting the opportunity now.

After Rohit took the leadership baton from Virat Kohli, speculations were rife that the men in blue may come with a changed approach to the field in the ODIs. However, the 34-year-old batter again expressed that India will continue with the same template under his captaincy.

"When Virat was the captain, I was the vice-captain. I just have to take it from where he left. Everybody knows what is expected out of them, we want to continue with the same template. There is not much we need to change. It is just that adaptability and being open to different things is what we have spoken of. It is not like I have to come in and change things drastically,” the opener quoted. 

"I just have to take it from where he left and it is important guys understand the responsibilities. This is what I will focus on, giving them the clarity on what is expected out of them," Rohit concluded.