Cricket-India's bench strength pleases Rohit, Stokes defends 'risky' batting

In Dharamsala, India, the cricket team secured a 4-1 series victory against England, maintaining their strong home record. Captain Rohit Sharma commended the newcomers in the team for their notable contributions, particularly in the absence of key players.

Among the five debutants introduced by India in the series, individuals like wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, batters Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikal, and seamer Akash Deep showcased immediate promise.

Rohit expressed his confidence in these players, stating, “All of these guys have played a lot of cricket even if they have not got test experience and they do understand how to play the game. It’s just that I’ve got to nurture them. They responded very well to pressure throughout the series.”

The inclusion of these newcomers was crucial as notable players like Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, and KL Rahul were absent due to various reasons. Despite these absences, India secured their 17th consecutive test series win at home.

This series defeat marked England’s first under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, who have adopted a bold and aggressive strategy in test cricket known as “Bazball.”

While critics have raised concerns about England’s risky approach, Stokes defended their swashbuckling style, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positivity and intent in the game.

Stokes, who recently recovered from knee surgery, also highlighted the performances of spinners Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley, both debuting in this series. He praised their potential for the future.

Reflecting on the performance, Stokes remarked, “Bash has been very sick at the start of this test match, but he’s come away with another five-wicket haul and Tom has been exceptional throughout the whole series.”

India’s dominant display and the emergence of promising newcomers signal a bright future for the team, showcasing their depth and resilience in the face of challenges.

With continued nurturing and development, these talented individuals have the potential to make a significant impact in the world of cricket, contributing to India’s ongoing success in the sport.

(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; Editing by Hugh Lawson)