Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour backed Virat Kohli’s slow innings in the opening Test against West Indies at Windsor Park in Dominica on Day 3 (Friday, July 14). Rathour praised him for his adaptability and defence, especially against left-arm spinners, which keep India in the driving seat as well. He also added hat Kohli will surely score a century in the upcoming second Test.
Rathour told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): “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.”
READ MORE: Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Virat Kohli’s poor show in WTC Final
The veteran further continued: “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 [several times]. 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.”
However, Virat Kohli scored 76 runs off 182 balls as well. He also shared a century partnership with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket and then added a 99-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket as India declared at 421/5 as well. Rathour also dismissed concerns over Rohit’s batting form while discussing India’s thumping triumph.
READ MORE: Harbhajan Singh says Australia have the upperhand in the WTC final
He commented: “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 [as per the situation]. 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.”
