Lara says India can field ‘even a third XI’

A second-string India thrashed West Indies by 200 runs in the third ODI on Tuesday to seal a 2-1 series victory in a timely boost ahead of their Asia Cup campaign next month.

The mood among the young Indian cricketers was further uplifted when the West Indies legend Lara visited them in training. The 'Prince of Trinidad' met the likes of in-form openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan -- who smashed his third successive fifty of the series while Gill struck 85 as they forged a 143-run opening stand to lay the foundation for a mammoth total, 351-5, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

Lara acknowledged a superior depth of talent in India's ranks.

"I am so happy to have these two young men Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill at the academy or stadium in my name.

"…Just to see the talent here with this Indian team and so many different teams that they have at the moment, they can pick a second eleven and even a third eleven," Lara said.

A star-struck Gill did not miss the opportunity to let Lara know about his impact on current crop of batters.

"You [Lara] used to be one of those people who used to go and straightaway, from ball one, you would take on the bowlers and take on the challenge, and that really inspired us as a kid, to be able to… how to dominate the game in all formats," said Gill.