Jamshedpur: India's stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag had, on Tuesday, said continuing with the policy of experimenting, Robin Uthappa could make his debut and Mahendra Singh Dhoni could bat up the order in the sixth ODI against England at the Keenan stadium on Wednesday.
Talking to the media, Sehwag said: "We plan to give youngsters chance a chance. It's with the team's policy of experimenting. Robin Uthappa could open with me and Dhoni could be batting up the order."
"Dhoni is a real sensation and he has not got much chance to bat. This being his home ground we hope to promote him up the order," he said.
However, he made it clear that the team would be looking to continue its winning ways and sweep the series.
"Winning is a very important habit and we don't want to lose that. The team is motivated to win the next two games as the game at Guwahati was a washout," the dashing opener said.
Asked if he would come down the order, he said being a young side and if he comes down than the top order would be exposed. Instead, he would like to lead from the from the front.
On the milestones that a few players are likely to reach on Wednesday and whether they would be played or not, he said: "It's a team game and we can't play a cricketer just because of a milestone in the offing. But yes, everybody will get their chance and by god's grace, they will attain their goals too."
Commenting on the pitch, he said: "It's a flat track with good, even bounce. The batsmen will enjoy and there will be something for the bowlers too."
Asked about the team composition, he said the final eleven would be decided in the evening, but "we have a team of 13 in our mind."
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On his captaincy and performance, he said: "I have to perform irrespective of my captaincy. Captaincy will not be a burden. I enjoy challenges and captaincy is a pleasant challenge."
Sehwag has been named captain for the fifth and sixth ODI after Rahul Darvid was given a much-deserved rest. However, his batting has been a concern over the last few games as he has not been able to capitalise on good starts.
Admitting that he was going through a lean patch, he said, "I am aware of it. It's just a matter of one innings. In Faisalabad and Kochi, I started off well, but faltered midway. I will have to convert my starts."
Asked if Mohammed Kaif's form was a concern, he said, "Just because he has performed badly in the last few games doesn't mean we start questioning his position in the team. We all know he is a good player and besides he is an asset on the field. I am sure he will be back at his best soon."
Asked about the sweltering heat which has affected the English team, he said, "Heat cannot be an excuse. Then we can start talking about Durham."
On whether they are playing a weaker English side, he said, "It's an international side and no one can say that. All who play for the country are considered good. Even we don't have Sachin Tendulkar. We are missing him. But the boys have come to the party. They are motivated to perform."
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