As India prepares for its second match in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, batting coach Vikram Rathour emphasized that the team’s greatest strength lies in its adaptability to various conditions it will encounter throughout the tournament, with matches scheduled in different venues across the country.
Rathour stated, “I think that is the biggest advantage we have. We have the personnel to play on different surfaces. We can go with three seamers, all-rounders, or three very good spinners in the team, and we have the batting unit which can adapt and play in any condition.”
He continued, “So, at the moment, I think we are doing well as far as the team is concerned. Everybody is fit. Hopefully (Shubman) Gill will be back in the mix pretty soon. So, no concerns, and we understand it’s nine different venues and nine different wickets. But the strength of this team is adaptability. I think we can adapt really well.”
Advertisement
Also Read: India Aims to Extend Winning Streak in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Against Afghanistan
With New Delhi witnessing a record total of 754 runs scored in just 569 balls during a recent match where South Africa posted 428-5 against Sri Lanka, one can expect another high-scoring contest. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan will be crucial to India’s batting performance.
Advertisement
Kishan, who opened in Gill’s absence in Chennai, fell for a duck to a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc. Rathour mentioned that Kishan has the ability to bat at the top of the order and in the middle order, and there was no specific discussion about his role.
Regarding the batting approach, Rathour explained, “We have a very experienced batting unit at the moment. I don’t think that message is required. Everyone knows how they have to play in this format. We have a very settled batting unit at the moment. Everyone has their own way. We are giving them the freedom to play the way they want to play.”
He emphasized that India is focusing on its own preparations rather than specific players from the opposition. Rathour said, “We’re not looking at players’ names. We are looking to do our things right. We’re trying to focus on the process and have the belief that the team we have, if we can do our things right and just focus on the process and not worry about the result, we’ll achieve what we are trying to achieve.”
Rathour also mentioned that Suryakumar Yadav will get an opportunity when needed, and the team management believes in providing sufficient chances to the players.
Lastly, Rathour confirmed that KL Rahul will continue to bat at number five, with no plans to change his position at the moment.
Advertisement