Youth is fine but seniors help strike balance: Robin

Robin remarks it is easier to work with youngsters but seniors are proven performers and young guys must fill the gaps, reports Atreyo Mukhopadhyay.

India are moving on, irrespective of the mood after winning the third Test and the tremors following the announcement of the ODI squad.

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After Perth, they are in Don Bradman’s country and in a twist to the tale, the focus on Monday was on fielding, not batting or bowling. Marking a departure, it was Robin Singh’s turn to face the media.

The man known for his spirited stay on the field was candid. “Our catching has been very good right from the first Test, though the ground fielding can be better. These are big grounds and we don’t have the strongest arms, to be honest. But there was a marked improvement in our fielding between Sydney and Perth, and even between the first and second innings in Perth. The effort was there, and that was very satisfying.”

The team may not be relying too much on the seniors, if the ODI squad is anything to go by, but Robin was quick to admit to their utility. “You can look at it both ways. With their batting experience, they’re assets. When you weigh it against the fielding, the younger guys will be better. It’s easier to work with the youngsters, but the seniors are proven performers and the young guys must fill the gaps. It’s a fine balancing act. The youngsters may not be able to assess the pace and bounce of the wicket as well as the experienced ones.”