Cricket icon Brian Lara has weighed in on the upcoming T20 World Cup, suggesting that head coach Rahul Dravid will need to devise a specialised strategy to optimize the performance of seasoned players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The Indian selection committee has placed its trust in the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the T20 World Cup, with eight players from the 2022 T20 World Cup squad making a return this time around. Lara emphasized the importance of having a clear plan, especially when dealing with players of such calibre, noting that coaches might sometimes hesitate to outline specific expectations to established stars like Sir Vivian Richards or Virat Kohli.
Drawing a parallel, Lara referenced the highly experienced West Indies team led by Richards, which fell short of reaching the semi-finals in the 1987 World Cup. He highlighted the perennial dilemma faced by teams when selecting squads, citing the example of the West Indies team of 1988.
“While having great players instils confidence, it’s crucial for Dravid to meticulously plan how to utilize the veteran players,” Lara emphasized, acknowledging the emergence of young talent and the challenges it presents. Despite the inclusion of seasoned campaigners, Lara stressed the importance of adhering to a well-crafted strategy to navigate through the tournament.
Addressing the omission of Rinku Singh, Lara attributed it to luck but expressed optimism about the team’s prospects under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. He reiterated his belief in the team’s ability to clinch the title, albeit acknowledging the absence of some young talent. Lara concluded by urging Dravid to adhere to a carefully crafted plan, emphasizing that proper planning could propel India to victory in the World Cup.
