India's cricket coach Gary Kirsten on Saturday said although experienced players like Sachin Tendulkar would be missed in the ODI tri-series in Bangladesh but their absence has opened a window of opportunity for the younger lot drafted in to replace the old warhorses.
The Indian spin attack was short on experience, as it would be spearheaded by the 19-year old leggie Piyush Chawla, Kirsten conceded before reporters on the eve of the teams departure for the neighbouring nation.
"Experience is always necessary in the game. Not only Sachin (Tendulkar) but all the experienced pros play a significant role in the team," the former South African batsman replied when asked whether the presence of the veteran Mumbaikar would have been beneficial for the team.
However, he hastened to add that it was a great challenge for the youngsters in the team. "At some point of time, they do need to be tested. We will never come to know of their capabilities unless and until they are given opportunities."
The Indian cricketers leave for Bangladesh on Sunday and take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the lung-opener on Tuesday before taking on the hosts on Thursday.
The final takes place on Saturday. All the matches would be held at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in the capital city of Dhaka.
Kirsten praised the Indian youngsters for their admirable showing in the just-concluded Indian Premier League.
"All of us have seen their capabilities in the IPL. In the final, it was the young Yousuf Pathan who won the match for his side (Rajasthan Royals)."
To a query on whether the non-availability of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, now serving a five-ODI ban for slapping pacer S Sreesanth during the IPL, has made the Indian spin bowling weaker, Kirsten answered in the affirmative.
He, however, said "I am hopeful about some of the young talents although I haven't seen much of them. If the selectors think they are capable, I will back Chawla (Piyush) and others to the hilt."
Sreesanth's absence from the squad would be a factor, Kirsten said.
But he was hopeful about the prospects of Chennai Super Kings medium pacer Manpreet Gony, who has replaced Sreesanth for the tour.
"Gony is an exciting prospect. But there is a big difference in bowling 10 overs and just four in Twenty20 matches. On the other hand, Sree is an important component of the team and the one filling up his boots must prove his mettle."
