If Rohit and Virat face 25-30 deliveries, they’ll be back to form: Abhishek Nayar

If Rohit and Virat face 25-30 deliveries, they’ll be back to form: Abhishek Nayar(Photo Source – Twitter/X)

India may be still well and truly in the ongoing series against Australia after the completion of three games in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, respectively. However, two of their most seasoned campaigners, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have not able to find their groove up until now. While Kohli scored an impressive ton in the second innings of the series opener, the remaining four innings have only yielded 26 runs. Meanwhile, Rohit’s entry to the side after missing the first Test, hasn’t been anything out of the ordinary.

Assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, was confident that the two players would find their rhythm after surviving the initial phase of their time at the crease.

“I always believe it’s about having that confidence and getting off to a good start. If they get that, their game looks different. I believe both Rohit and Virat are the kind of players that if they face 25–30 deliveries, you’ll see them back in their usual form,” stated Nayar at the press conference post Stumps on Day 1.

Nayar also emphasized on what Rohit’s previous remarks on Kohli’s nature of dismissals conveyed.

“As Rohit said, generally when you’re having a discussion with an experienced player, it’s around their focus and game plan. Every player has their weakness. They will get dismissed one way or another. The thought is behind making sure what kind of zone they need to make those runs,” he shared.

We were happy with where we ended: Nayar

Speaking on the day’s play, Nayar admitted that the conditions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground were skewed towards the batters. He praised debutant Sam Konstas’ enterprising knock, but was happy with where India ended on the opening day.

“It wasn’t the easiest conditions to bowl, we felt. They were good to bat on. At times like that, it’s important to stick to your guns. I felt we came back really strong post-Lunch. Bowling those maidens, putting the pressure. At times like that, you are taken by surprise when someone plays a knock like that. But, I felt we responded really well and through the day, kept at it, and reaped the rewards towards the end. Overall, you look at the day, we were happy with where we ended,” added Nayar.

Also Read: I am a little bit surprised that they have dropped Shubman Gill: Sunil Gavaskar

Opting to bat first, Australia ended Day 1 on 311/6. Each of the top four batters got off to starts, and contributed to the total on the board. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the lot as far as the visitors’ bowling unit was concerned.

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