Rohit harps on bench strength

Rohit interacted with the media before the team’s first practice session and hoped that he would continue his good run against Australia.

Nothing in particular. I want to have the same kind of performance against all opponents. Somehow, I have really managed well against Australia. It’s great to have that sort of performances against one of the best teams. Australia is a very strong opposition and to have that sort of performance against them makes me feel good. 

Absolutely, we have great bench strength. Of course, the absence of Shikhar will be felt. Right from Champions Trophy till the last tour in Sri Lanka, he has had a strong impact on the performance of the team. But, we have got a few guys who can replace him. Ajinkya (Rahane) is one of them. He had a great series in the West Indies where he was the man of the series. 

It was actually happening before as well.  The average age of the team is about 26-27 and we have all played together. The captain Virat wouldn’t mind seeking the advice of a new player. I don’t see anything particular that has changed with my role. The other 10 players on the field will always back Virat regardless of whatever decision he takes, that’s what we require as a team. 

I see it very positively at the moment. I look at them as a little bit of mystery spinners. You never know what’s coming out of their hand. That’s what they bring to the table and that’s what the captain really wants. The crucial breakthroughs we look forward to in the middle part of the game is very important. There you need a bowler who can kind of get into some mystery things and bring out those crucial breakthroughs. That’s exactly what happened in Sri Lanka. Someone like Chahal, who got an opportunity in the first game – their openers were going at a good pace and he got us that breakthrough. 

Both teams have to play in the spirit of the game. India and Australia play the game aggressively. We come at each other very hard and that’s how this series is going to be played. Having said that, we will have to ensure that we don’t overstep the mark.