"When Virat Comes Back, It Will Only Strengthen Our Team": Rohit Sharma On Virat Kohli's Role As A Batter In T20Is

Both Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma answered questions on a wide range of topics including the template for the team in the shortest format going forward, and the importance of workload management for players who are playing all three formats.

Rohit Sharma addressed the media for the first time as Team India's captain in T20Is on Tuesday. Rohit was part of a joint press conference along with newly-appointed Team India head coach, Rahul Dravid, ahead of the start of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins in Jaipur on Wednesday. Both Dravid and Rohit answered questions on a wide range of topics including the template for the team in the shortest format going forward, and the importance of workload management for players who are playing all three formats. When asked about the role of former T20I captain Virat Kohli in the set-up, Rohit said that Kohli remains a very important player for the team.

"It's very simple. Whatever he has been doing till now, his role in this team remains the same. The roles of each player change as per match conditions and all players, including Kohli, are open to that," insisted the new captain.

"When you are batting first, the role is different compared to when you are batting second. Based on games that we are playing, roles will keep changing and everyone is open to that.

"I am sure when Virat comes back, it will only strengthen our team because of the experience and the kind of batsman he is, it's only going to add up to our squad, " Rohit added.

Speaking about the template that he will look to set in T20Is, Rohit spoke about the need to define specific roles for players in T20Is, Rohit said that he and Dravid will stress on helping the youngsters hone specific skills by playing similar roles in international, domestic and franchise cricket.