DHAKA, (Reuters) – The next generation of Indian players should not put themselves under pressure to copy illustrious compatriots like the retired Rahul Dravid or Sachin Tendulkar, according to captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
On Friday Dravid, 39, became the first of the celebrated modern-day batting line-up to quit, thus paving the way for 20-something players such as Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to stake a claim for his number three spot.
“Every individual is different and anyone who comes in the side should not even think of replacing the kind of seniors that we have got,” Dhoni told a news conference on the eve of the four-nation Asia Cup.
“The youngsters will (put themselves) under tremendous pressure if they start to think like that. They are legends of the game, enjoyed the sport and played with the right kind of spirit throughout.
“Anil (Kumble), Rahul, Sachin, (Vangipurappu) Laxman, Sourav (Ganguly), it’s tough to replace them so there is no point thinking you have players who will replace them.”
