'We need to give them solid run to excel' - Rohit Sharma on youngsters replacing Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane

India’s Test skipper Rohit Sharma has been handed his first assignment in the longest format in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and he opened up on the youngsters getting a go. India has decided to drop the experienced duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara for this series and instead, have been told to play Ranji Trophy to regain their form. Both the batters struggled to make up big scores over the last two years and the road might be difficult for them to get back into the side now.

However, Shubman Gill who has done well at the top is likely to get to replace Pujara at three while there might be a decision to make between Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari for the number five role. Iyer scored a Test century on debut against New Zealand and has made a strong case for himself already while Vihari has been with the Indian Test team for a long time now playing some important knocks at times.

What Pujara, Rahane have done for this team you cannot put it out in words: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma explained that the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Gill, Vihari and Iyer have all been seen as good prospects for India’s Test future and reckoned the importance of backing them in the longer run. The 34-year-old also praised Rahane and Pujara for being instrumental in India’s success in Tests over the years and still sees them in the plans for the future.

“Agarwal, Gill, Vihari, Iyer – all these guys are Indian cricket’s future and we need to give them a solid run to excel,” Rohit Sharma told in the press conference ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

“Players who are going to replace Pujara, Rahane (in the playing XI) have done exceedingly well whenever they have got the opportunity. We need to back these guys to come good for us. What Pujara, Rahane have done for this team you cannot put it out in words. All the years of hard work, overseas victories, India’s No.1 ranking – these guys have played their part. They will be a part of our future plans,” he added.

Rahane and Pujara were recently demoted to Group B Category in the Annual contracts by BCCI while Wriddhiman Saha has moved into the Group C Category. It remains to be seen if they can make it to the Indian Test squad again with some consistent performances in Ranji Trophy.