Cuttack, Nov 28: India are without some key senior players, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for the ODI series against the West Indies but stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag today said that it would give a perfect opportunity for the youngsters in the team to perform well at the big stage.
Besides Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, who have been given rest, the squad also does not have middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh who have declared himself unfit, but Sehwag said his side would not be worried as the youngsters have come into the series with plenty of runs under their belt.
“All the players are in fine form, having scored good amount of runs in Ranji Trophy. It's a good sign for Team India. Hope the youngsters play the same way with Team India,” Sehwag told reporters on the eve of the first ODI against the West Indies here tomorrow.
“We have a very good young side. It's good for youngsters they are getting opportunities. They have five games to show their skills. If they perform well we can continue fielding a young side. We are pretty confident to do well. I promise that we will give our best shots. If we can put more than 100 percent the results will show,” Sehwag said.
His opening partner Gautam Gambhir is the seniormost member after him but Sehwag said there would be no added pressure on the duo.
“We are playing for last 12 years. Cricket is same ... Everything is same... It's just another series for us. We are playing so well. We won ODI series against England and Test series against the West Windies. Team India are playing well so I'm looking forward to the series,” he said.
Asked about his inexperienced bowling unit, Sehwag said, “They are very good bowlers, youngsters who need to learn a lot. They are going on the right track and learning with other bowlers. With coach Eric Simons they are doing a great job.”
