India’s strike coach Vikram Rathour supported “senior cricketers” Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to get back in shape “pretty soon” but refused to say whether or not both would keep senior cricketers for the second Test against New Zealand after their failure will be removed from the playing XI in the current series start on day 4 in Kanpur to fire again.
Pujara scored 26 and 22 in both innings of the First Test, while assistant skipper Rahane made 35 and 4, leaving cricket pundits and fans wondering whether or not both of them will get another chance in the Second Test.
Both players have been pitifully out of shape in tests with the racket for the past two years, with Pujara averaging 20.37 and 30.42, while Rahane averaging 38.85 and 19.57 in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
IND vs. New Zealand, Kanpur Test: Day 4 highlights
But Rathour, who took over as batting coach on that series, threw his weight behind the Veteran Batters, which the entire team leadership has been doing for quite some time.
“Of course we would like our top medal to help, but the cricketers you mentioned have played 80 and 90 test games, so they have the experience. Of course, to play that many games, they have to do well for us.”
“I understand they’re both going through a lean period, but they’ve played very, very important strokes for us in the past and we’re pretty sure they’ll come back and play more important strokes for our team in the future.” said Rathour on Sunday.
Rahane has only got 100 points since October 2019 and his career average fell below 40 after the Kanpur double failures. He could be at the ax in Mumbai if Captain Virat Kohli returns to lead the team in the second Test from December 3.
Pujara hasn’t reached a century since January 2019, but could keep his place in the team as he did a little better than the vice-captain in 2021.
Rathour said India won’t call selection until they reach Mumbai next week and also refused to comment on how long Rahane and Pujara have before either or both are removed from the testing team.
“I don’t think we can put a figure on that. It really depends on the situation the team is in and what the team needs.
“The captain’s return will be in Mumbai, I understand. We will get to that point when we get to Mumbai. At this point, we will focus on this game. There is still a day and a game to be won.” So we’re really focusing on this game, “said Rathour.
India recovered from failing to top the ranking in the second inning to post 234 for 7 before taking on New Zealand in the final session on Day 4.
Shreyas Iyer (65) and Wriddhiman Saha (61 not eliminated) met gloomy half centuries, while Ravichandran Ashwin contributed 32 runs when the hosts New Zealand started 284 to win the series. The guests stood 4 for 1 before bad light stopped the game at Green Park Stadium.
एक टिप्पणी भेजें