India has concerns about KL Rahul’s form as an opener, the likes of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav have opened in this format. Batting coach Vikram Rathour confirmed that they are not thinking about dropping KL Rahul.
- Advertisement -
“No. We aren’t really not thinking about that,” Rathour dismissed the idea of Pant’s inclusion for the time being.”I don’t think that’s a good enough sample size anyway. He’s been batting really well and also batted well in practice games. So we aren’t changing anything,” Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
India don’t have any other designated opener in their squad for this World Cup but the likes of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav have opened in this format.
While Pant is a dangerous player, it is difficult to fit in both Dinesh Karthik and him in the same playing XI. Also with the team roping in Karthik for a specific role, there is no chance that the 37-year-old will be kept out of the playing XI.
- Advertisement -
Read More: New Zealand v Sri Lanka- Match Highlights
“Only 11 can play unfortunately and I know and understand Rishabh is a fantastic player and we know he can be destructive against any opposition,” said Rathour.
While Rathour wanted to soften the blow but it was clear they are not even thinking about Pant.
“The message to him is be ready and your chance might come anytime. He should be mentally and physically ready. He is doing that and you might have seen him practising regularly. I am sure he will be ready whenever opportunity comes,” Rathour’s words sounded a bit hollow if one tried to read between the lines.
The batting coach also feels that in this World Cup, there won’t be too many 200-plus scores.”Playing with intent is the goal. Looking to score runs but we are looking to adapt as well as per conditions. I don’t think these are 200 plus wickets so we will need to adapt,” Rathour said.
