Indian batting coach defends Rohit Sharma’s shot selection in first Test against South Africa

Indian Cricket team captain Rohit Sharma did not have a good start to the tour of South Africa. On the first day of the Centurion Test, Rohit was dismissed early in the innings by Kagiso Rabada. But what disappointed many fans and experts was the way Rohit got out. He was not dismissed by a terrific delivery but was dropped against his strength – A pull shot. It did not go well with many.

The same was asked about Vikram Rathour, the Indian batting coach, who was in the post-play conference after the first Day of the Centurion Test. The Indian batting coach, however, backed the Indian opener for his shot-making in the match. Vikram said that Rohit is the best puller of the cricket ball in the world and that failures are part and parcel of the game.

Rathour seemed to be the least concerned with the shot selection of the Indian batter. In fact, he added that Rohit must play the shot often. “Rohit, I mean, I have spoken about it earlier as well. This is the shot he believes in; this is the shot he scores a lot of runs with. This is his shot. So, he is going to play this shot,” Rathour was quoted as saying by News 18.

‘We are okay, as a team management we are backing it’ – Vikram Rathour

The Indian batting coach deduced how the opinions of the people change with every passing minute. Vikram was of the opinion that if Rohit pulls a ball successfully for a six, people will laud him as the best player in the world. If he fails, he gets the criticism. Hence, Vikram added that the management would continue to back him given the fact that Rohit Sharma is the best puller in the world.

“Some days, it will come off. Some days, it won’t. So today, it didn’t. We can talk about it. On another day, he will hit for a six and everybody will say this is the shot he plays really well. We have heard people say he is the best puller in the world. He believes in it. We are okay, as a team management we are backing it,” said Rathour.