India captain Rahul Dravid confessed that the absence of a fifth regular bowler hurt his team in the second IndianOil Cup tri-series match against the West Indies on Sunday, as the opposition dug themselves out of a hole and posted a competitive total.
"It is a worry to us. Unfortunately we are not blessed with all-rounders. It is a tough decision to play with four bowlers," said Dravid, after India won the match by six wickets.
"Fortunately, our bowlers have done very well under the circumstances and bowled with discipline and control.
"Frankly, it has helped me in my role as a captain. The way our fast bowlers have bowled in these two games, if they bowl well in the right areas, it is easy to set field.
"If they continue to do so, we would win a few games."
The elegant batsman was at pains to explain the absence of Anil Kumble from the team.
"It is not easy for us and it's not easy for him. I don't know any other way of putting it. But we do what we can on a given day about the team," said Dravid, reflecting on the decision to make Kumble sit out for the second successive match of the tournament.
"I have spoken to him about it. Greg had a chat with him on it. He understands the situation: not only he is a great cricketer but also a champion human being.
"Some day he plays and some days Bhajju [Harbhajan] plays. Some days both of them play. May be some day the super sub would come and we could satisfy everyone."
Dravid admitted that his side is trying to give more opportunities to youngsters in this tournament.
"With some seniors missing out, this has given them an opportunity. We are looking to give younger guys more responsibility.
"Raina has been impressive in the field and today he and Kaif set up the game for us. It was Venugopal Rao who impressed on Saturday.
"I was very happy that Kaif agreed to immediately when he was asked to open the innings at the interval."
