Ravi Shastri, head coach of the Indian team, defended his vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane, when asked about his woeful performances with the bat of late.
The middle-order batsman has struggled in England with a highest score of 18 in four innings and has seen his batting average drop by over 10 in the last 24 months.
“I don’t think it’s fair to single out any one player. Batsmen from both teams have struggled when the occasion demands. It’s a case of mental resolve, or you put mind over matter, and mental discipline will be the key as far as batsmen are concerned going forward even if this Test match. He is one of our pillars, he will remain one of our pillars,” Shastri said.
Dinesh Karthik, who was drafted into the squad as the main wicket-keeper in place of the injured Wriddhiman Saha, has been unable to impress in the series with the bat so far. With Rishabh Pant knocking on the doors, the Indian skipper and management have a tough selection call to make ahead of the Nottingham Test.
“About Rishabh Pant you’ll know by 11 o’clock (on Saturday). (Virat) Kohli is feeling much better, in the nets he is moving much better and improving by the day,” Shastri added.
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Snapshots from #TeamIndia's training session ahead of the 3rd Test against England.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/7eiTTiuRqz
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 16, 2018
The Indian head coach spoke about Ben Stokes and England’s dilemma pertaining to his selection, and said there’s no reason for the all-rounder to be excluded from the third Test now.
“We focus on cricket. He’s a terrific cricketer and we like to play against top cricketers, as simple as that. He’s been cleared by the courts, what’s the reason for him not to play? If I was in England’s position, I would have wanted him to play,” he added.
