'All the 22 guys out there are quality players,' Rohit Sharma on Aussies' criticism of Nagpur pitch

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Nagpur, Feb 8: India captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday (February 8) played down the Australian experts' opinion over the pitch for the opening Test in Nagpur, saying he and his team is concentrating on the match ahead.

A section of cricket experts in Australia have started criticising the way curators are managing the VCA Stadium track which will be used for the first match between the two teams, starting February 9.

Rohit Sharma on Nagpur pitch

While addressing the media on the eve of the first of the four-Test series, Rohit was asked for his comment on the 'doctored pitch' remark from Aussies. Claiming the pitch will be the same for 22 players, the Indian captain said, "Just focus on cricket and not the pitch. After all the 22 guys out there are all quality players."

Rohit Sharma on India batting combination

When asked if the team has decided whom to pick between in-form Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav - who had a stellar show in the white-ball format - the Mumbaikar praised both and stated that the team hasn't taken a call on the playing eleven as there is a spot up for grab in the absence of Shreyas Iyer.

"Shubman (Gill) has been in supreme form. He has scored a lot of big hundreds (in ODIs). On the other hand, SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) has shown what he brings to the range, but we have not decided who we will go with," Rohit added.

Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant replacement

Team India will also be missing the services of their star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant - who is out of action following his injury - Rohit assured that there are capable replacements who can do the job for the team.

"We will miss Rishabh Pant but we have guys to fill the role. We have had a good talk with the batters about their plans and hopefully, we will execute it from tomorrow onwards," the India captain stated.

Rohit Sharma on India spinners

Rohit gave a mysterious response when asked about the choice of spinners for the opening game. "All four spinners are quality, Jadeja and Ashwin played a lot together, Axar and Kuldeep whenever they have got the opportunity have done well," he added further.

Rohit Sharma on India's Selection Headaches

On further probing about selection headaches, the team management is going to have in the first Test, the India captain said, "It is tough. The guys are in good form, pushing for a spot and doing really well, and it is tough to leave some out. We will take brave calls."

"But it is a good sign overall that all the guys are performing well and in with a chance for selection. But we will see the conditions and pick teams accordingly. Different pitches would need different skillset. The message is clear, we would take horses for course and all options are open."

Rohit Sharma on India vs Australia Test series

Rohit - who will be leading India for the first time in Tests against the Aussies - claimed the series is going to be an evenly contested one as both the teams have match-winners. The senior cricketer stated the team that prepared well will get the desired results.

"We have four solid Test matches to play in the BGT and we would want to win the series. It is going to be a challenging series and we have to be up for it. Preparation is the key. If you prepare well, you get results," he claimed.