Indian National Cricket Team Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar spoke about the poor form of batting powerhouse Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Abhishek Nayar said it was just a matter of 25-30 deliveries for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to return to form in Test cricket.
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli battled it out in BGT 2024-25
Former India captain Kohli was dismissed for 5 runs in his first innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Perth. But in the second innings, he smashed a magnificent century.
He struggled to get going after that and was dismissed while chasing a delivery outside the off stump. In the Adelaide Test, he returned with scores of 7 and 11, and in the Brisbane Test he scored 3 runs.
Meanwhile, current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma missed the Perth Test and then batted well in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests as he scored 3, 6 and 10. In total, Rohit has just one fifty in his last 13 innings, while Kohli has just two in his previous 15 innings.
The thinking is to make sure what zone he needs to make those runs – Abhishek Nayar
Speaking after the end of play on Day 1, India coach Abhishek Nayar said both Rohit and Kohli need to start well and spend time in the middle to get back into form.
“I always believe it’s about having that confidence and getting off to a good start. If they get that, their game looks different. I believe both Rohit and Virat are the kind of players that if they face 25-30 deliveries, you will see them in their usual form.”
Abhishek Nayar while backing Rohit Sharma’s words for Kohli that “modern day greats will find their way” said:
“As Rohit said, generally speaking with an experienced player, it’s about their focus and their game plan. Every player has his own weakness. They will be fired one way or another. The thinking is to make sure what zone they need to make those runs.”
A lot of credit goes to the way Sam played – Abhishek Nayar
Abhishek Nayar also heaped praise on teenage batting sensation Sam Konstas for his stunning 65-ball 60 on his Test debut against India. He said:
“A lot of credit goes to the way Sam plays. The intent he showed in the first few innings put us behind. But I felt it took a lot of character from our boulderers to stay there.”
However, Nayar was pleased with the Indian bowlers’ comeback after being impressed by the youngster’s exceptional knock in Melbourne. He elaborated:
“It was not the easiest situation, we felt. They were good off the bat. In times like these, it’s important to stick to your guns. I felt we came back really strong after lunch. Put pressure on those girls bowling.
“At times like this, you are surprised that someone is beaten like that. But I felt we responded really well and kept it going throughout the day and got the rewards towards the end. In general, if you look at the day, we are satisfied with where we finished.”
