Vikram Rathour, India’s batting coach, fired a warning shot after the team’s underwhelming performance in the second Test against England. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, particularly in batting discipline, and emphasized the need for improvement before the third Test.
India’s batting performance in Hyderabad was a mixed bag. While they posted a decent 329 in the first innings, their second innings collapse of 181 saw them lose the match by 28 runs. This inconsistency, coupled with some loose shots, prompted Rathour’s criticism.
“Were they able to bat with greater discipline? Perhaps they could have,” said Vikram Rathour. They must make a decision and devise plans based on it. But just as you must support your advantages, they must score runs by playing their shots.”
His statement highlights the delicate balance between aggression and batting discipline that batsmen need to navigate. While playing with intent is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of responsible shot selection.
Rathour went into more detail about the particular areas that he thought needed improvement. “There were some soft dismissals, and we need to learn from them,” he stated. “We need to be more patient and wait for the right ball to play.”
He also underlined how crucial it is to adjust to the surroundings. “The pitch in Hyderabad was a little bit two-paced,” he clarified. “We needed to be more cautious and play with the line of the ball.”
This focus on adaptability is crucial in a five-Test series where conditions can vary significantly. Understanding the pitch and playing accordingly is key to building partnerships and scoring big runs.
Rathour’s comments have sparked debate within the cricketing community. Some see them as a fair assessment, while others believe they are too harsh on a young batting lineup. However, there’s no denying that India’s batting needs to find a way to be more consistent and disciplined.
The upcoming third Test in Visakhapatnam presents a crucial opportun ity for the team to bounce back. They need to learn from their mistakes in Hyderabad and implement Vikram Rathour’s suggestions. A strong batting performance will be essential if they want to level the series and regain their momentum.
Beyond the immediate concerns,Vikram Rathour’s comments raise broader questions about the future of Indian batting.
How can India develop a batting culture that balances aggression with batting discipline?
What role can the coaching staff play in instilling this culture?
Are there specific areas in technique or mindset that need to be addressed?
These questions will need to be answered if India wants to sustain its success in the long term.
The second Test loss serves as a wake-up call for the Indian team. Rathour’s critique, while critical, is a necessary step in addressing the team’s shortcomings and paving the way for a stronger batting performance in the remaining Tests.