WATCH | 'Better Player Is One Who...': Coach Vikram Rathour Reacts To Virat Kohli's Slow Innings In IND-WI 1st Test
Defending Virat Kohli's slow batting in the opening Test, cricketer-turned-coach Vikram Rathour reckoned that Virat would surely notch up a ton in IND vs WI 2nd Test.
India vs West Indies 2nd Test: Team India's batting coach Vikram Rathour defended Virat Kohli's slow-paced innings in India vs West Indies 1st Test in Dominica. The cricketer-turned-coach praised Kohli for his defensive abilities, especially against left-arm spinners, which keep the opposition side on backfoot. Rathour reckoned that Virat would surely notch up a ton in IND vs WI 2nd Test. The opening Test between India and West Indies saw Virat scoring 76 runs off 182 balls. The former India skipper also stitched a crucial century partnership with debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal and a 99-run stand for 5th wicket with Ravindra Jadeja as India declared at 421/5.
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Rathour told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): "He [Virat Kohli] is batting very well. As a batting coach, I think cricket is about adaptability. Playing one type of game, he is an aggressive player who likes to dominate, but the better player is one who can change his game. Someone who can play according to the conditions and team requirements is a better player for the team."
Watch below viral video of team India batting coach Vikram Rathour praising Virat Kohli
#TeamIndia Batting Coach Vikram Rathour heaps praise on @imVkohli 👍#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/5H1K4J1J6F
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 16, 2023
Rathour continued:
"It’s Virat’s biggest quality. He is somebody who can play different formats differently. He can change his game according to the conditions and he has shown that [several times]. On that wicket, it was turning a lot. By the time he came out to bat, there was a huge turn and bounce on offer.
He added:
"The way he defended against left-arm spinners was a lesson for many many youngsters on how to play when the ball goes away from you. The way he defended and played his innings was extremely good to watch. With the approach he is batting, he will surely score a 100."