The future of Indian batting has arrived in the shape of youngsters like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Venugopal Rao, skipper Rahul Dravid declared on Thursday.
"Dhoni, Raina and Venugopal Rao are the future of Indian batting and it looks very exciting," Dravid said after the youngsters scripted a series-clinching four-wicket victory over the Sri Lankans in the fourth one-day international in Pune.
"It is most satisfying to see players who have not even played 10 games for the country take responsibility and see the side home," he said.
Admitting that he himself played a bad shot at a crucial juncture, Dravid said Raina and Dhoni played "brilliantly" under pressure to settle the match.
Talking about the gains from the series, he said, "We played as a team and everyone contributed towards the cause."
Dravid singled out Ajit Agarkar and Harbhajan Singh for special praise, saying the off-spinner's bowling made a big difference to the side.
Rival captain Marvan Atapattu said, "Things are not going too well for us and these are tough times.
"A couple of missed chances cost us and the Indians finished the match pretty well."
But Atapattu was quick to add that there were clear signs of improvement in the side.
Man of the match Ajit Agarkar said he concentrated on hitting good areas and bowling straight.
"My action is holding up well as I have worked hard on it am getting good swing and reverse swing at the moment," the wiry paceman said.
