Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour put an end to all speculations and concerns over head coach Rahul Dravid's health and confirmed he is present with the national team in Thiruvananthapuram for India vs Sri Lanka 3rd One-Day-International, Sunday, January 16. Dismissing fears over India head coach's health, Vikram Rathour jokingly asked reporters to take Dravid for a few rounds.
“He’s absolutely fine boss. I don’t know where that news came from. He’s absolutely fine. You want him to take a few rounds, you want to see that? We can put some fitness tests for him also. He’s here (in Thiruvananthapuram)," Rathour told media personnel in the press-match press conference.
Earlier, several media reports suggested that Rahul Dravid would miss India vs Sri Lanka third and final ODI in Thiravantapuram. As reported in ANI, he flew back to his hometown Bengaluru amid concerns about health issues. The report also suggested that National Cricket Academy (NCA) director VVS Laxman would replace Dravid for the final ODI.
Even reported photos of Rahul Dravid boarding Bengaluru-bound had gone viral on the internet.
Coach Rathour also explained why Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav weren't included in India XI from IND vs SL ODI series.
"At the moment, he has been picked as an opener but as a batting unit we are flexible and if there is a need to try somebody like Ishan in the middle order, we might have to. At the moment though, he is being looked at as an opener," said Rathour.
"He has great potential, he has been in great form, it is great to have him in the reserve, and hopefully, when the time comes, he will take that opportunity and do well for the team. It is great to have such versatile player in the team," Rathour said on Suryakumar's prospects in ODI cricket.
Rohit Sharma-led team India is currently leading the three-match One-Day-International series 2-0. The hosts have already won the series and will aim for a clean sweep when they play the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday.