Indian cricket team’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, expressed unwavering support for skipper Rohit Sharma’s pull shot technique in Test cricket, despite recent criticism following his dismissal against South Africa. In the Boxing Day Test at Centurion, Sharma was caught out by Nandre Burger off Kagiso Rabada’s bouncer, a moment that sparked considerable debate on social media.
Rathour emphasized the team management’s confidence in Sharma’s batting strategy, highlighting his past successes with the pull shot. “Rohit… this is the shot he believes in, this is the shot he scores a lot of runs with,” Rathour said, as quoted by India Today. He acknowledged that while not every attempt at the pull shot may be successful, it’s a risk the team is willing to support, given Sharma’s track record of excellence with this technique. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
Additionally, Rathour addressed Virat Kohli’s preparation for the series against South Africa. Kohli, who had to leave for London due to a family emergency, missed the intra-squad match but still managed to score 38 runs in the first Test. Rathour expressed confidence in Kohli’s capabilities, stating, “The stage of his career Virat is, I don’t think he needs a lot of practice.” He noted Kohli’s extensive batting and training regimen as factors contributing to his readiness, regardless of the time away from red ball cricket.
The Indian team’s approach reflects a balance between trusting the instincts and skills of seasoned players like Sharma and Kohli, and adapting to the dynamic nature of Test cricket. Rathour’s statements underline a philosophy of backing players’ strengths while being mindful of the inherent unpredictability of the game.
As India continues its cricketing journey, the team’s resilience and ability to support its key players through ups and downs remain crucial. The management’s backing of Sharma’s pull shot and confidence in Kohli’s form, despite the latter’s brief absence from practice, demonstrate a deep understanding of their players’ abilities and the complexities of international cricket. Get free cricket betting tips only on Nextbet Sports.