Amid Controversy, Rathour Backs Kohli & Sharma for ‘Semi-Dangerous’ New York Pitch
Amidst the swirling controversy surrounding the condition of the pitch at Yankee Stadium in New York, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour has expressed confidence in the abilities of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to navigate the ‘semi-dangerous’ surface. The highly anticipated India-New Zealand T20I on July 29 has come under scrutiny after reports emerged that the outfield has several uneven patches. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has classified the pitch as “semi-dangerous,” raising concerns about player safety. Despite these concerns, Rathour remains unfazed. “Virat and Rohit are world-class batsmen who have played on all sorts of pitches,” he said. “I’m sure they will be able to adjust to the conditions and play their shots.” Rathour acknowledged the challenges posed by the unpredictable nature of the pitch but insisted that India’s batsmen are prepared for anything. “The pitch is not ideal, but our batsmen have been practicing on a variety of surfaces,” he said. “They are ready to face whatever the pitch throws at them.” Kohli, who is known for his aggressive batting style, is likely to adopt a cautious approach on the dangerous pitch. “Virat is a smart batsman who will play according to the situation,” Rathour said. “He knows when to take risks and when to play safe.” Sharma, on the other hand, is expected to be more attacking. “Rohit is a free-flowing batsman who can hit the ball to all parts of the ground,” Rathour said. “He is the kind of player who can take the game away from the opposition.” While Rathour expresses confidence in his batsmen, the Indian team management is monitoring the situation closely. The ICC has appointed an independent expert to assess the pitch and make a final decision on whether the match should proceed as scheduled. If the pitch is deemed unsafe, the match could be moved to an alternate venue or even canceled altogether. However, Rathour is optimistic that the game will go ahead as planned. “We are confident that the match will be played,” he said. “The ICC is doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the players.”In the midst of ongoing controversy, Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has expressed confidence in the abilities of star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to conquer the challenging pitch conditions in New York. A recent article delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the condition of the pitch for the upcoming India-Pakistan match. Rathour acknowledged the potential hazards posed by the pitch, describing it as “semi-dangerous,” but emphasized his trust in Kohli and Sharma’s exceptional skills. He stated, “We are confident that both Virat and Rohit have the experience and technique to overcome any difficulties presented by the pitch.” The article highlights the concerns raised by former cricketers and experts, who have expressed apprehension about the safety of the pitch. They maintain that the uneven surface could lead to unpredictable bounce and increase the risk of injuries for batsmen. Despite these concerns, Rathour remains optimistic, pointing to the players’ extensive training and preparation. He said, “The team has been practicing on similar pitches and working on strategies to counter any challenges that may arise.” The controversy surrounding the pitch has sparked discussions about the importance of player safety and the responsibility of cricket boards to provide suitable playing conditions. Rathour’s confidence in Kohli and Sharma reflects the team’s determination to overcome adversity and showcase their cricketing prowess. As the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan approaches, the focus remains on the pitch conditions and the strategies that both teams will employ to adapt to the challenges it presents.