Horses for Courses: Captain Rohit Sharma hints at team selection for Nagpur Test
Rohit in nets [Twitter/@BCCI]
The much-awaited Border Gavaskar series between India and Australia is just a day away, and both the teams are pondering upon their team selection ahead of the series opener in Nagpur.
The surface at Nagpur will assist the spinners, and it is widely expected that both the teams will go ahead with three spinners for the first Test. India have a lot to think about when it comes to the selection debacle. Will Gill get a nod in playing XI? Will SKY make his Test debut?
Ahead of the series, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma attended the press conference and talked about the team selection, and also stated that the Indian team is fully focused on the Aussie challenge, irrespective of the side talks.
When asked about Australia media talking about the Nagpur pitch, Rohit said:
"We want to concentrate on the game, and not on the pitch. There are 22 guys, who are all quality players."
Skipper Rohit Sharma also stated that he expects an even contest when the two sides collide from Thursday.
"We have four solid Test matches ahead, and we want to win the series. It's going to be a tough challenge against the Aussies and we have to be up for it. Preparation is the key."
On selection dilema, Rohit said:
"It is a tough thing. The guys are in good form, and it is tough to leave them out. But we will take brave calls. It's good that the guys are performing, but we will assess the conditions and will select the team accordingly. Different surfaces require different skillset."
When asked about Gill and Surya
"Both the batters have been terrific and bring something different. Gill has been in great form and has been scoring runs in all formats. Surya has been a great T20 player and hopefully he can take his chances in the Tests as well."
When talking about the depth in spin department
"All four spinners in the side bring something different. Three of them are quality all-rounders and not to forget Kuldeep scored valuable runs in Bangladesh."
Australia have already confirmed that Scott Boland will play his first overseas Test in place of injured Josh Hazlewood. Cameron Green has also been ruled out of the Nagpur Test, and Matt Renshaw might get a chance to play in the middle order.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
