Picking his men to steer the ship
THE ANCHORS After salvaging the Mohali Test, Vijay and Pujara are the batsmen skipper Kohli is looking for inspiration
When Sachin Tendulkar quit cricket i n November 2013, it left a void not only in the India ranks, it also left them bereft of someone they could turn to for advice. Ishant Sharma is the most experienced player, and with 38 Test caps, Virat Kohli somehow fills the role in a team bereft of experience.
During an animated discussion that lasted a while, Murali Vijay’s bouncer-related concerns were addressed by Kohli. The skipper drew from his experience and offered tips on countering the short ball. The team is only too aware of Vijay’s growing importance to it, especially in Test cricket.
From rank turners to green tops, Vijay is making a mark with his classical style. His patience, judgement of length and line, unhurried approach and timing are signs of an evolving player.
Going with what Kohli expects from the top order, Vijay would put him at ease when he pairs up with Cheteshwar Pujara after the fall of a wicket. Together they scored 230 out of India’s 401 runs in the first Test at Mohali, and that must convince Kohli that other than the spin trio, the two are his most trusted Test troubleshooters.
“We are proud of the way they batted in the last game. We can learn a lot from them and the way they applied themselves. They kept us in the game throughout and that is important,” said Kohli.
“It is a nice feeling to see two professionals build a partnership and it is a calming influence in the change room. I hope they can keep going in the same way. Vijay has been consistent for us, Pujara has made a tremendous comeback, he is willing to play at any position and give the team flexibility,” he added.
ISHANT’S RETURN
The return of Ishant has empowered Kohli as well. Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron did bowl within themselves and kept runs in check while the three spinners took a vice-like grip in Mohali.
Ishant’s return would mean that one of the two other seamers will be benched. Going by the intensity at the nets, Umesh could retain his place. After under-bowling his seamers --just 20 overs between the two in Mohali --- Kohli might be forced to change his plan with Ishant around. Rationing of overs will have to be revisited given the overcast conditions here.
“Ishant brings in a lot of experience. He’s bowled well in subcontinent conditions and knows how to reverse swing, and can lead the pace attack. I’d rather have a guy who will give me control at an important time in the game than someone who will just get the overs out of the way. There is a change in mindset as well. We are trying to figure out who will be doing more of the bowling and at what stage in the game,” said Kohli.