Perth: KL Rahul may not have done well in the two matches but Indian coach Vikram Rathour says that is not the only reason to drop the player from the playing XI and include Rishabh Pant in the top order. Rathod said this on the eve of the T20 World Cup match against South Africa on Sunday. Rahul was dismissed after scoring a run off four balls against Pakistan and against the Netherlands, he could only score nine runs in 12 balls and was dismissed leg before.
Pant has got few opportunities to bat with Rohit Sharma as an opening partner, in which he has shown excellent spirit. But Rathod clarified that the talented Roorkee cricketer will have to wait. Rejecting the idea of including Pant, Rathod said, “No, we are not thinking about it.” “I don’t think it would be a good example,” he said. He is batting very well and has batted well in the practice matches as well. That’s why we are not changing anything.”
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“Unfortunately only 11 players can play and I know and understand that Rishabh is a fantastic player and we know he can be a destroyer against any opponent,” Rathod said. “The message for him would be to be ready and you can get a chance anytime. He should be prepared mentally and physically. He is doing this and you must have seen him practicing regularly.”
When asked why Rahul is adopting such a restrained approach in batting as compared to Rohit Sharma in the Powerplays, he admitted that things will change once he is back in form. Rathod said, “Every player has his own way of playing and expanding his innings. A good partnership is one in which both the players help each other to score runs. If Rahul is in good form, he can also bat aggressively.
He also said that there is nothing deliberately changing in Virat Kohli’s batting attitude. He said, “It is not so. It depends on the circumstances and we are proud that our team adapts to the conditions. He (Kohli) changes his game according to the circumstances. He has done a wonderful job and we expect him to continue the same.” (agency)