Rohit Sharma, in his first pre-match press-conference as full-time limited overs skipper, said that India is in search of a finisher of MS Dhoni’s caliber. The Men in Blue face West Indies in the first ODI of three-match series on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Sharma spoke largely about his plans leading to the 2023 ODI World Cup. He was asked how he was looking at the finisher’s role — especially the No 6 and 7 in batting order. The 34-year-old admitted that the team needs to look beyond Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja and look for back-ups in the position. 

Also read: Ishan Kishan, Shahrukh Khan named in India’s 15-man squad for 1st ODI vs West Indies

“Finisher’s role in ODI is very important but since MS Dhoni’s retirement we haven’t got anyone who could fit in that role,” Rohit said on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies.

“We have tried Hardik, even Jadeja has played but we need to create more back-ups for that slot. The boys who will be getting chance in the series, hopefully, they will utilise those chances and consolidate their position in the team. A finisher bats at a crucial phase, and often, his contribution could be a game-changer,” the skipper said.

India, in their 3-0 ODI series loss versus South Africa, faced some concerning problems in the fragile middle-order. Except for Rishabh Pant, none of the batsmen after Virat Kohli, who bats at No 3, batted with intent. 

Also read: Role clarity, Kuldeep comeback, 2023 WC on Rohit’s mind as India take on West Indies

A reporter wanted to ask if Rohit would love to blood juniors but the way the question was framed, it allowed him to get a taste of the skipper’s dry sense of humour.

Just like you and Shikhar were promoted as an opener in 2013 Champions Trophy, will you blood juniors as we have had a same pattern for years now? he asked, with a feel-good comment about how he has “encouraged juniors”.

For someone who has encountered thousand such questions, the funny side was up there for everyone.

“Toh aap bol rahein ho main aur shikhar bahar ho jateein hai aur Ishan Kishan aur Ruturaj Gaikwad ko open kara de? (So you are saying, me and Shikhar should be dropped and we should have Ruturaj and Ishan open for India? Is that what you mean? he winked and smiled.

Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli 94 runs away from entering elite ODI record list

“No I am saying if one among you two make way we might get results like the way we got when you were elevated,” the reporter pushed his luck.

“Yes, we got results. But if you are talking about the top three, they have been pretty consistent performers for years. So yes, the youngsters will get their share of chances and just like Ishan is getting a chance, they will keep getting chances,” he said on a more serious note.

“We have a lot of matches in future so batters will get their fair share of chances. Shikhar Dhawan batted well in South Africa and now he is down with COVID, even Rutu has COVID, so Ishan is getting his chances, so youngsters will get chances but how they utilise is the actual thing.”