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Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian team Head Coach for the tour to Sri Lanka Rahul Dravid on Sunday said the main focus will be to win the series in the island nation. The Indian team will be led by Shikhar Dhawan and comprise of as many as six new faces. The tour is being looked as an opportunity for fringe players who are eyeing to stake a claim in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

 “For sure, a lot of players are looking forward to cement their places in the ICC T20 World Cup. There will be a few players who are pushing for places. But the key focus in the two sessions that we had so far, has been on winning the series. That is going to be our primary objective. But hopefully, people will get some opportunities to put in some good performances in the course of winning the series and knock doors of selectors,” said Rahul Dravid at a virtual press conference on Sunday.

Dravid admitted it may not be possible to give everyone an opportunity on the short tour.

 “It’s slightly different. When you are at the developmental level, the goal is different from this. We have a really good squad here, 20 players. It will be unrealistic to expect everyone to get an opportunity in this short series. We’ll come up with what we think is the best combination to win the series and then see along the way. There are plenty of youngsters, even if they don’t play, it’s a great opportunity for them to learn from seniors like Shikhar. It’s very different worlds – U-19 and A team and this,” said Dravid.

He added,  “These are only 3 T20 games before the T20 World Cup. The selectors and management will have an idea by now about what they’re looking for. There is the IPL before the WC. In that sense, there may be 2-3 places the management and selectors might want to fill. So, it will give them a few more options. There might be a few odd spots to be filled.” 

“We have a couple of selectors travelling with us, we’ll interact with them. Had a little bit of contact with the management in England. Didn’t want to disturb them during the WTC final, so will be in touch with them over the next couple of weeks and plan,” said Dravid.