India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, has backed the struggling Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, urging all to be patient with the out-of-form stars ahead of the Mumbai Test. Nayar also added that both legendary batters need “space and time to come back” as India are ready for the third and final Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium as well.

“I wish we could curate pitches, but we don’t. The curators do,” Nayar stated. “Whatever we’re provided with, we go on and play. As cricketers, we try to adapt to whatever conditions are given.”

However, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been legends of the Indian batting lineup, are facing a rare slump. Nayar also spoke supportively of the two, saying the importance of patience and backing as they work through this challenging phase as well.

“I’ve seen nothing but love for them all over,” Nayar said. “When a top player goes through a lull, it’s often about giving them the space to work it out and trusting that they will find their way back. They’re putting in the effort. I’ve seen nothing but love for them all over. When a top player, when someone who’s been through the journey, goes through a lull, a lot of times it’s about giving them their space and trusting that they will come back. They will put in the work,” he said.

“Everyone’s worked really hard, everyone wants to do well, whether you’re Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma or even someone as young as Shubman Gill. The effort is there. The approach is great. I feel they’re putting in the hard yards. Sometimes, sometimes you’ve got to be a little patient, even with the greatest of players, and they can have tough times. I’m pretty sure sooner rather than later, we’ll have more to praise about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and everyone else as well. (We need to have) just a bit of patience,” Abhishek Nayar concluded.