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As Virat Kohli got out trying to play a booming cover drive for the second time in the Centurion Test, there has been a lot of criticism around his shot selection. Some have even suggested Kohli to take a leaf out of legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s book to not play the cover drive altogether. However, batting coach Vikram Rathour feels that Kohli should not stop playing that shot but pick better balls to drive.
"These are shots which brings him (Kohli) lots of runs and it's his scoring shot. He needs to play that shot and I think it is always your strength that turns out to be your weakness as well," Rathour said after the end of Day 4’s play of first Test between India and South Africa in Centurion.
In India’s second innings, Kohli edged the ball to the wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock against left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen. Rathour was asked whether he has had a discussion with the skipper over his common mode of dismissal in recent times. Rathour believes it is not advisable to let go off the shot which helps the batter pick scoring opportunities.
"If you don't play a certain shot, you will never get out playing that shot. You will never score runs as well. Now, when to play that shot, that's the part there are constant discussions.
"Was it right all and right stage to play that shot? If we can tighten up our game-plans a little more, that will be better. So that's the shot he (Kohli) plays well and he needs to carry on playing that shot but he needs to pick better balls," Rathour opined.
On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara disappointed in the second innings with a 16-run knock off 64 deliveries. Also, Ajinkya Rahane got out trying to pull Jansen. Despite Rahane and Pujara’s ordinary show, Rathour feels being patient is the key with the two veterans.
"They (Pujara and Rahane) are trying their best, giving their best. Rahane looked in really good touch before he got out. So has Pujara. He has played some important innings in the past. You see these are challenging conditions for everybody ..." Rathour said.
"You need to be patient and as long as they are trying their best and giving their best, as coaching unit we are fine, how much time they get or are we getting impatient, not at this stage," the 52-year-old added.
