Southampton, Sep 5: Fresh from his fantastic knock of 95 at Chester-le- Street, Parthiv Patel feels that the current ODI series is an ideal opportunity for the youngsters to step up and make best use of the opportunities.
“It's a good opportunity for youngsters to prove themselves. If they do, it would be good for themselves as well as the team,” said Patel ahead of the second ODI here on Tuesday.
Sachin Tendulkar joined the list of injured Indian cricketers going home on Monday when it was found that his toe injury would take at least four weeks to recover.
The late realization that Tendulkar is missing would leave the visitors a batsman short as Manoj Tiwary and Ravindra Jadeja are unlikely to join the squad before September 7.
It would imply that India would go into the match with only six frontline batsmen, including skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and would perforce be playing five frontline bowlers.
It would also increase responsibility for the likes of Patel who have shown themselves to be in good touch. The left-hander though insisted it wouldn't help if he changed his natural aggressive style and look to bat through the 50 overs.
“I would play my natural game. Personally, I don't need to change my game. I scored with it in West Indies and in the first ODI.
“However, it is everyone's responsibility that once he gets in, he needs to score big runs.” PTI
