India keeper-batter KS Bharat has revealed that captain Rohit Sharma has trusted him completely went it comes to helping him out with DRS calls in the ongoing four-Test Border-Gavaskar 2023 Trophy series against Australia.

After being the understudy of Rishabh Pant for a long time, KS Bharat finally made his India debut against Australia and impressed one and all with his keeping skills on low tracks which aid spin. He had kept brilliantly to both Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin along with Akshar Patel and his glovework against both pacers has been commendable as well.

Talking to the media ahead of the third Test in Indore, KS Bharat has shared that captain Rohit Sharma backed him on taking calls for DRS, terming him as ‘the best judge’ for close calls and that he shouldn’t ‘worry about whether it is going to go our way or their way’.

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He said: “Rohit bhai and myself had a word. He said, ‘you are the best judge, as you stay close to the batsman. So whatever you feel, just give your opinion,” Bharat said in the pre-match press conference on Monday. “You, me and the bowler – the three of us will discuss, and we will take a call’. He said, ‘don’t worry about whether it is going to go our way or their way. Just back your instinct – whatever you feel, just put it across’. So the message is clear.”

R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have taken 31 Australian wickets thus far to fall in the two Tests.

“They are top-class spinners. It’s not easy to keep to them but it’s not difficult. All this while, playing in domestic, keeping for 10-12 years, you are prepared to keep the best spinners. Every ball, you have to keep balance, think the ball is coming your way every ball,” he added.

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Reflecting on Delhi Test where he got to showcase his batting skills as well, Bharat said: “I enjoyed playing whatever I did in Delhi. It was about keeping it simple and backing your defence. Wickets are not unplayable, just have to back your defence.

Rohit bhai told me that I will bat at no 6 in Delhi 2nd innings. The moment Australia were all out, I was ready to bat and contribute. The intent is never a problem, shot selection is critical on these tracks. Runs will come here if shot selection is right. Trusting defence is key.

Bharat when asked if KL Rahul will open for the third Test or Shubman Gill said, “It’s the team management’s call, not mine.”

(Indian Express inputs)