NEWS
Follow UsAfter India’s defeat at the hands of New Zealand, the questions regarding the Men in Blue’s batting unit was once again all over the headlines. Batting first in Dubai, India only managed to get to a total of 151 and 110 at the venue, which has prompted questions about their technique and shot selection.
However, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour insisted that batting first on these surfaces have been tough, irrespective of the team playing. He also added that it was a tough prospect even for the experienced Indian side to rotate strike in the middle-overs in Dubai, raising a concern over the conditions.
“Batting first on these surfaces is not easy. Any team who are batting first is struggling. We failed to execute the big shots but it is more to do the surface,” Rathour told reporters.
“Strike rotation has been an issue in the middle over against New Zealand. On this surface it is difficult to rotate the strike. I am not saying only we have struggled, every team batting first are struggling,” Rathour added.
“But being a world champion, you have to find a way to win against all the odds, and we have failed to do it,” he insisted.
With Suryakumar Yadav ruled out due to back spasm, the management decided to promote Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, which pushed the experienced opener Rohit Sharma to No.3, a move that didn’t pay off. Rathour revealed that the decision was ‘collective’ and was done with intentions of India getting off to a good start.
“Suryakumar Yadav was having some back spasm. He was not fit enough for the match. The whole management took the call to send Ishan as an opener and, of course, Rohit was part of the decision,” Rathour answered.
“Ishan has done well as an opener in the IPL as well as in the practice matches, that’s why he has been sent as an opener,” he added.
“We were not able to execute our plans in the last two games, which has really hurt us. That’s not the issue at all. Preparation has always been there.”
India’s next clash against Afghanistan could be India’s last chance of making it to the playoffs. However, even then, the Men in Blue would need New Zealand to lose an encounter, which makes it tough for Virat Kohli’s side.