India ‘A’ are in a must-win situation to draw the three-match series against West Indies ‘A’ but there are quite a few players who are under pressure to perform to stake their claim for a berth in the senior national squad.
Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan will be using the opportunity to show that they still have plenty left in tank but skipper Cheteshwar Pujara felt the personal targets will not come in the way of team’s larger interests.
“Ultimately, whenever an individual wants to do well, it is good for the team,” Pujara noted here on Tuesday. “For example, if Viru bhai or Gauti bhai want to score a hundred, it is ultimately beneficial for the team. We don’t need to worry about what their individual goals are because they are experienced players, they have served the country for so many years, they know that their role is to help the team the team win the game,” remarked Pujara who has not been amongst runs.
Coach Lalchand Rajput stressed on having positive frame of mind if Sehwag, Gambhir and Zaheer wanted to do well. “Whatever game you play, you have got to perform. Whether it’s for your country or your state or your club... Cricket is a game where you have got to be positive.
“Yes, they were not in good form and that’s why they have been dropped from the Indian team but this is a good platform for them.
“They are looking forward to the match and if you look at their history, they are match-winners. It is a very positive thing for them as well as the team that we are going into a match where we are one-down. That will bring the best out of them because some players perform well under pressure and I think this is the best time for them,” he explained.
