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Sehwag handled situation well in Ahmedabad: Chappell
November 08, 2005 17:40 IST
Contending that the policy of resting and rotating players was being done in view of the long season ahead, Team India coach Greg Chappell [Images] said Virender Sehwag [Images] captained the side well in Rahul Dravid's [Images] absence.
Speaking about the captaincy of Virender Sehwag, the Indian coach said that he felt Sehwag did a pretty good job in the field in the last match.
''He handled the situation well considering the fact that he did not have time to prepare after Rahul was replaced by the super sub due to cramps as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile talking about the changes in team composition Chappell said, ''We are looking at every opportunity to rest key players and also at the same time try out new players keeping the larger picture in mind that is of building a world class team for the future,'' he said, adding that they would still go and try to win each and every match.
Chappell also added that Dravid was fully fit now, but he is sitting out on Wednesday only to give him rest. ''If Rahul was required to play tomorrow, he can play. He is fully fit,'' the coach said.
The Indian coach also said that young spinner Piyush Chawla [Images] was called to the Indian nets to give him a feel of the atmosphere.
''He was here so that he would watch and learn how these players go about preparing for an international match and maybe continue the same for himself and pass it on to his other domestic side team mates.''
Chappell was also not unduly worried about the form of Yuvraj Singh [Images]. ''He has played well in Sri Lanka [Images] and Zimbabwe, it is only the last four to five matches where he has not scored too many runs.
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To tell you the truth, Yuvraj also has not got much batting to do in the earlier matches,'' the coach added.
''Yuvraj also had a good net session today and is thinking about his batting. I am sure he will come good sooner than later.'' Harbhajan Singh [Images], who has bowled magnificently in this series, said that there was no pressure on him to perform before the series even though his previous series in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe were not as good.
''It was just a matter of getting my rhythm right. I also worked hard in the nets trying out different strategies and variations and it has clicked in this series.'' He also said that getting an early wicket in most of the matches in this series has also seen his confidence skyrocket.
Admitting that it was hard to bowl in Power Plays on these wickets, Harbhajan said that you have to be mentally strong and brave to do so.