Proud Virat would never miss a game if he could: Sridhar
Given that Virat Kohli’s India is always seeking to eschew bad habits and “embrace difficult conditions” in its bid to be a top side for a considerable period of time, a conversation on fielding made sense even though India hadn’t taken the field at Eden Gardens.
This, after all, is the most controllable aspect of cricket, unlike batting or bowling, said R Sridhar, the fielding coach, after the second day of the first Test. “The formula is very simple; the more you practice, the better you get…Also, the fitter the player, the better the result on the field,” he said. Now out of the India squad, Suresh Raina, for example, has to tick the fitness parameters even though he is a fabulous fielder, said Sridhar. With a series in South Africa around the corner and a lot of cricket scheduled away from home, Sridhar said strengthening slip fielding is “one area that can contribute to the results we want to achieve in our away Tests.”
Sridhar said slip catching is more difficult in the sub-continent. “In places where there is good carry and bounce, you know where to stand. In the subcontinent, that is a challenge often because of two-paced wickets. Then, in England, the ball wobbles.”
Sridhar said situations such as this where a team spends more time in the dressing room than on the field and is in a spot of bother forges relationships.
“I always feel such days are wonderful for the team,” he said.
And he is hopeful of a result. “If we can get another 270 overs (three days of play), this Test can definitely get a result…If conditions remain like this, I am sure (Mohammed) Shami and sultan of swing Bhuvneshwar Kumar would love these conditions,” he said.
KOLKATA:
ON KOHLI AND REST
Like Kohli, Sridhar said a player’s workload is taken into consideration when the selectors and the team management decide whether he needs rest.
“Having said that, each member in this team is very proud to represent his country at any given opportunity.
“Knowing Virat, he wears his pride on his sleeve. As long as his body allows, he would not miss a single second of a match,” said Sridhar.