Abhishek Nayar on the struggles of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Indian national cricket team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar spoke about the poor form of top players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Abhishek Nayar said Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to form in Test cricket is just a matter of 25-30 deliveries.

Also read: Watch: Ravindra Jadeja spins left-armer Jasprit Bumrah during the MCG Test

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled in BGT 2024-25

Former Indian captain Kohli was dismissed for 5 runs in his first innings in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. in Perth. However, he smashed a spectacular century in the second innings.

After that, he struggled with work and was dismissed while chasing deliveries outside the off-stump. In the Adelaide Test he returned with scores of 7 and 11, and in the Brisbane Test he scored 3 runs.

Meanwhile, current Indian captain Rohit Sharma missed the Perth Test and then struggled to bat well in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests as he registered scores of 3, 6 and 10. Overall, Rohit has just one fifty-plus score in his last 13 innings, while Kohli has just two in the previous 15 innings.

The idea behind what zone they need for those runs – Abhishek Nayar

Speaking after the end of the first day’s play, India coach Abhishek Nayar said that both Rohit and Kohli need to get off to a good start and spend time in the middle to get back into form.

“I always believe that it’s about self-confidence and a good start. If they get that, their game looks different. I believe that both Rohit and Virat are such players that if they face 25-30 deliveries, you will get them back in their usual form,” he said.

While backing Rohit Sharma’s ‘modern day greats will figure out their own way’ remarks on Kohli, Abhishek Nayar said:

“Like Rohit said, generally when you have a discussion with an experienced player, it’s about their focus and their game plan. Every player has his weakness. He’s going to get fired one way or another. The idea behind it is to ensure what kind of zone they need for those races.”

Big credit to the way Sam played – Abhishek Nayar

Abhishek Nayar also praised teenage batting sensation Sam Konstas for his stunning 65-ball 60 in his Test debut against India. he said:

“Big credit to the way Sam played. The intent he showed in the first few overs put us on the back foot somewhat. But I felt it took a lot of character from our bowlers to hang in there.”

However, Nayar was pleased with the way the Indian bowlers bounced back after being stunned by the youngster’s exceptional batting in Melbourne. He elaborated:

“We felt that it was not the easiest of conditions to bowl. They were good for hitting. In such moments it is important to stand your ground. I felt we came back really strong after lunch. Bowling those girls, applying pressure.

“In such moments, you are surprised when someone plays a shot like that. But I felt that we reacted very well and stayed with it throughout the day, and towards the end we reaped the rewards. All in all, looking at the day, we were happy with where we ended up.”