Team India head coach Vikram Rathour has defended Virat Kohli’s batting approach during the first Test against West Indies, which India won by an innings and 141 runs at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica. He expressed that adapting to various situations is important, which is Virat Kohli’s biggest strength.
Virat Kohli scored 76 runs off 182 deliveries in the first Test at a strike rate of 41.76. He slammed five boundaries in the innings. Some were surprised by the slow-paced innings of the former Indian skipper. However, batting coach Vikram Rathour expressed that a better cricketer also plays according to the conditions on offer. In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Rathour addressed the media. Talking about Virat Kohli’s knock, he said,
“He (Virat Kohli) is batting very well. As a batting coach, I think cricket is about adaptability. Playing one type of game, he is an aggressive player who likes to dominate, but the better player is one who can change his game. Someone who can play according to the conditions and team requirements is a better player for the team.”
“It’s Virat’s biggest quality. He is somebody who can play different formats differently. He can change his game according to the conditions and he has shown that. On that wicket, it was turning a lot. By the time he came out to bat, there was a huge turn and bounce on offer. The way he defended against left-arm spinners was a lesson for many many youngsters on how to play when the ball goes away from you. The way he defended and played his innings was extremely good to watch. With the approach he is batting, he will surely score a 100,” he added.
#TeamIndia Batting Coach Vikram Rathour heaps praise on @imVkohli 👍#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/5H1K4J1J6F
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 16, 2023
There is no concern about Rohit Sharma’s batting: Vikram Rathour
Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour also expressed that there was no concern over skipper Rohit Sharma’s batting heading into the first Test against West Indies in Dominica. The Indian skipper slammed a century in the first Test, scoring 103 off 221 balls. He added 229 runs for the opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal (171 off 387). Speaking about Rohit Sharma’s form, Vikram Rathour expressed,
“In the last series versus Australia also, he scored a hundred. There is no concern about his batting. The good thing is that being somebody who is a stroke player, he is able to change his game to that extent. He did it against Australia and here as well.”
“He understands how to play on such wickets. Knowing that you need to change your game is one thing but being able to do that is different. He can do that. He was able to execute his plans. We all know that he is a big player and he showed his potential,” he added.
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