Playing without key players will show depth of talent: Fletcher

Despite embarking upon his first assignment as India coach with a depleted team, Duncan Fletcher is looking at the positives

Playing without key players will show depth of talent: Fletcher

Despite embarking upon his first assignment as India coach with a depleted team, Duncan Fletcher is looking at the positives.u00a0Firstly, he reckons the limited-overs format is a better platform to groom youngsters, and that playing without marquee players will show the depth of talent in Indian cricket.

"Playing this series with youngsters will show the depth of talent in India. I am very excited about that. These players can take India forward over the next four to five years. India has a plan to stay on top, they need to show their potential now," said Fletcher ahead of the team's departure during the wee hours of this
morning.

Skipper Suresh Raina (left) with coach Duncan Fletcher at a city hotel
yesterday. Pic/Bipin Kokate

In support of the selectors' decision to rest seniors, Fletcher said that it was important for the future of Indian cricket. "While working with England, I was heavily criticised for doing that (resting seniors).u00a0 But, I am glad the Indian selectors have realised that it's very important to rest the seniors considering the hectic schedule.

"We have to see how to tackle this issue as time progresses. India have an exciting next three months ahead and it's important to have all players fit and ready," he said.

Suresh Raina, who will be captaining India for the first time since the tour of Zimbabwe last year, conceded that the forthcoming tour of West Indies is a 'turning point' in his six-year long career. "This is definitely a turning point in my career. I am honoured to captain the country ufffd this is a World Cup-winning side and we have some good youngsters such as Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, Shikhar Dhawan and S Badrinath who all deserve their chances. Especially Badrinath, who has worked really hard to get his India place back.

"I have learnt a lot about captaincy from the likes of Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni ufffd who have captained the country with a lot of honesty. It is an honour for me to captain. I am confident the youngsters can prove their potential," he said.

Raina's close relationship with outgoing coach Gary Kirsten is no secret. "Playing under Gary was fantastic ufffdwe won so much under his reign.u00a0 But, the coach can only give ideas. As a team, we need to gel together and execute his plans. It's a very important tour for us," said the 24-year old.

Both Raina and Fletcher are confident that the side will acclimatise to the conditions quickly. "I went to West Indies under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid in 2006 and also went for the T20 World Cup," said Raina. Despite West Indies' lackluster performances in recent times, Fletcher said it was important not to underestimate Darren Sammy's team. "Every home side is tough that goes for the West Indies too. We have to go there and treat them like a proper team, can't get complacent. Some of their players showed their ability in the IPL," he said.