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PERTH: KL Rahul could have failed in a few matches but that’s not a big enough “sample size” to drop him and includes Rishabh Pant at the top of the order, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathore said on the eve of the T20 World Cup match against South Africa on Sunday.
Rahul scored 1 off 4 balls against Pakistan, while a touch-and-go leg before decision saw him suspended for 9 off 12 balls against the Netherlands.
While Pant has shown plenty of intent as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner in the brief chances he has, Rathour has made it clear that the talented Rourkee man will have to wait for now.
“No. We’re not really thinking about it,” Rathour dismissed the idea of Pant’s inclusion for now.
“Anyway, I don’t think it’s a good enough sample size. He batted very well and also batted well in practice matches. So we’re not changing anything,” he was categorical in his reply.
Although Pant is an absolute match winner, it is difficult to fit Dinesh Karthik and him in the same XI. Also with team roping in Karthik for a specific role, there is no chance of the 37-year-old being kept out of the playing XI.
“Unfortunately only 11 can play and I know and understand Rishabh is a fantastic player and we know he can be devastating against any opposition,” says Rathour.
While Rathour wanted to soften the blow, but it was clear that they were not even thinking about Pant.
“The message to him is be ready and your chance can come at any time. He has to be mentally and physically ready. He does that and you might have seen him training often.
“I am sure he will be ready whenever the opportunity comes,” Rathour’s words sounded a little hollow if one tried to read between the lines.
When asked about why Rahul has a moderate approach in the Powerplay compared to Rohit Sharma, he admitted that once he is back in form, things will change.
“Every player has their own way of playing and putting together their innings. A good partnership is one where everyone complements each other. If Rahul is in good form, he can also be the aggressor,” the former Punjab stalwart added.
He also said that there is no conscious pattern in Virat Kohli’s approach.
“Not really. It depends on conditions and we pride ourselves on being a team that adapts to conditions. He (Kohli) is good enough to change his game according to conditions. He did it brilliantly and we expect him to continue to do so,” he stated.
The batting coach also feels that there won’t be too many 200-plus scores in this World Cup.
“Playing with intent is the aim. We want to score runs but we are looking to adapt as well as according to conditions. I don’t think it is 200 plus wickets so we will have to adapt,” Rathour said.
Rahul scored 1 off 4 balls against Pakistan, while a touch-and-go leg before decision saw him suspended for 9 off 12 balls against the Netherlands.
While Pant has shown plenty of intent as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner in the brief chances he has, Rathour has made it clear that the talented Rourkee man will have to wait for now.
“No. We’re not really thinking about it,” Rathour dismissed the idea of Pant’s inclusion for now.
“Anyway, I don’t think it’s a good enough sample size. He batted very well and also batted well in practice matches. So we’re not changing anything,” he was categorical in his reply.
Although Pant is an absolute match winner, it is difficult to fit Dinesh Karthik and him in the same XI. Also with team roping in Karthik for a specific role, there is no chance of the 37-year-old being kept out of the playing XI.
“Unfortunately only 11 can play and I know and understand Rishabh is a fantastic player and we know he can be devastating against any opposition,” says Rathour.
While Rathour wanted to soften the blow, but it was clear that they were not even thinking about Pant.
“The message to him is be ready and your chance can come at any time. He has to be mentally and physically ready. He does that and you might have seen him training often.
“I am sure he will be ready whenever the opportunity comes,” Rathour’s words sounded a little hollow if one tried to read between the lines.
When asked about why Rahul has a moderate approach in the Powerplay compared to Rohit Sharma, he admitted that once he is back in form, things will change.
“Every player has their own way of playing and putting together their innings. A good partnership is one where everyone complements each other. If Rahul is in good form, he can also be the aggressor,” the former Punjab stalwart added.
He also said that there is no conscious pattern in Virat Kohli’s approach.
“Not really. It depends on conditions and we pride ourselves on being a team that adapts to conditions. He (Kohli) is good enough to change his game according to conditions. He did it brilliantly and we expect him to continue to do so,” he stated.
The batting coach also feels that there won’t be too many 200-plus scores in this World Cup.
“Playing with intent is the aim. We want to score runs but we are looking to adapt as well as according to conditions. I don’t think it is 200 plus wickets so we will have to adapt,” Rathour said.
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