AUS v IND 2020-21: Madan Lal questions communication gap within the Indian camp 

Lal raised the issue how skipper Virat Kohli wasn't made aware of the extent of Rohit Sharma's injury.

By Kashish Chadha - 02 Dec, 2020

Former India quick, Madan Lal, questioned whether there exists an alarming communication gap between the players and support staff within the Indian team. 

Lal raised the issue after skipper Virat Kohli admitted in a press conference he had "no information" as to why didn't Rohit Sharma travelled along with the side to Australia despite turning up for his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) in later stages of this year's competition. 

Read Also - BCCI joined all concerned parties after Kohli's outburst over Rohit's injury: report

Rested from the white-ball leg of the Australian tour, the all-format opener is currently recuperating for a hamstring injury at the NCA in Bangalore in hope to recover for the Test matches. 

"Whatever Virat Kohli said in his press conference that is absolutely correct, I back him for the same because clarity with the captain is a must as the leader runs the team. Both coach and captain should be aware of what is happening with their players," Lal told ANI

"Only Rohit or his franchise (Mumbai Indians) can answer why he played for the franchise when he was just 70 percent fit. I think that communication in the team should be on a good level."

"The kind of communication which is required is not happening, there should be clarity regarding what is happening," added the 69-year-old. 

Lal, the 1983 World Cup winner, is also part of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the BCCI. One of the finest Indian pacers of his times, Lal also spoke how injuries hurt India's plans for the marquee trip. 

"See, on one hand, you talk about bench strength and on the other hand you talk about injuries," he said. "If two players are not there, you think there is no team, injuries will keep on coming if players don't undergo the proper rehab period. There are other players too who can do the job, injuries are part and parcel of the game."

The long tour to Australia has started off in a really demoralising fashion for the Indian team with two identical hammerings to concede the ODI series in Sydney. Lal said it's the bowling attack that has led the visitors down. 

"Our bowling did not click and if you do not get early wickets, there are chances that opposition will get a high score on the board. Due to the wicket conditions in Australia, if you don't get breakthroughs, the spinners will also struggle in the middle."

"Last time, there were no David Warner and Steve Smith in the team and these two are the world's top batters and when top players come into the squad, it changes the scenario. In batting, we did well but chasing a big total is a bit tough, and when you try to attack chances of losing wickets become high."

"Wicket-to-wicket bowling should be done in my point of view but at this time, the problem is that Indian bowlers are struggling to take wickets early on. We are also not fielding well and that is not ideal as the bowlers always need the support of their fielders," he signed off. 

By Kashish Chadha - 02 Dec, 2020

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