"It was very hard to make someone like Shreyas Iyer sit out": Rohit Sharma

The Indian team began the 3-match T20I series against West Indies with a stunning win last night. The team consisted of some of the most prominent names of Indian Cricket while Shreyas Iyer was left out. Shreyas Iyer did not get the chance to play in the first T20I. Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed the reasons behind not including Iyer in the match.

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Rohit Sharma revealed in the post-match interview that Iyer was not included in the playing XI to have an extra bowling option for the middle overs. India is trying to look out for a bowling all-rounder for some time and Venkatesh Iyer certainly fits all the requirements to some extent. That is why the new Iyer replaced Shreyas in the shortest format. Sharma also said that the management spoke to Shreyas Iyer about him not getting the chance to the Playing XI. And it is all about the balancing of both sides.

Rohit Sharma said, "Someone like Shreyas Iyer is sitting out, very hard on him not making it to playing eleven, but we needed someone to bowl in the middle which is why we couldn't get him in. It's always nice with that kind of competition going around and a lot of the guys are missing out as well. I'm happy to have that kind of challenges rather than not having players available and not in form. We were very clear with Shreyas and we told him we want that option going into the World Cup. Guys do understand what the team wants and all these guys are professionals and they do understand that team comes first."

"Lots of things to take into consideration": Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The Indian team is filled with talented and capable youngsters and the competition to enter the playing XI is high. Sometimes the situation becomes quite difficult for the cricketers who end up not getting a chance in the Playing XI.

Rohit Sharma added to this matter, "Once everyone is available it's something we need to sit down and understand. Lots of things to take into consideration and sometimes it can be very tough on the guys missing out, but we want to make sure that we give out a clear message with guys performing needs to get that run and we want to put the team first."