Opportunity for youngsters to prove their worth: Sehwag

The absence of key players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh will give an opportunity to test youngsters ahead of the 2010 World Cup, according to India's stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag, who said it was necessary to work towards improving the bench strength.

India will miss two key players — banned captain MS Dhoni and injured Yuvraj Singh — in the crucial fourth one-dayer against Sri Lanka, where a win would seal the series for the hosts.

"When the series is going on, the team has to play the matches, irrespective of who is in or out. Definitely, we will miss their services, but we have to look at our other options.

"The youngsters are getting an opportunity to play for their country, and if they do well and make a mark, it's good for the team as well. The bench strength will get stronger and stronger," Sehwag said.

"With 2011 World Cup coming up, if players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma get opportunity to play and get runs, our bench strength improves," he said.

He picked Kohli for some special praise and said, "He is truly a talented player. He had played very well in the Champions Trophy. Hopefully, he will become a star of the future. We are all looking forward to him."

India are leading the series 2-1, but they have a record of squandering advantageous positions. However, Sehwag said this time they are determined to not let the lead slip out of their hands.