NZ v IND 2020: Rathour says India has identified core group of players for T20 World Cup

India leads the ongoing five-match T20I series in New Zealand 2-0.

Rathour is happy with the performances of Rahul, Iyer in the ongoing series | GettyHappy with the available talent depth, batting coach Vikram Rathour says India has already identified a core group of players who can be expected to lead the nation's quest of winning the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. 

Rathour spoke to the media about this ahead of the third T20I in Hamilton on Wednesday (January 29) with India leading the five-match rubber 2-0 after winning the first two games in Auckland. 

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"Adjustments will keep going on till the last minute. But as far as I am concerned and the team management is concerned, we have the core," he said. "We know what our team is going to be. Unless there is a case of injury or really bad loss in form, I don't see many changes happening."

India has been trying out different individuals and combinations since the beginning of the just-concluded home season, a luxury unaffordable if there aren't enough "incredible" cricketers available, as Rathour also mentioned. 

"This new generation of cricketers are incredible," he said. "I find it amazing actually that they turn up and they are at their best straight away across different formats, different grounds, and different countries actually. The amount of time they took to get settled (in New Zealand) was outstanding."

"The more opportunities that these guys get, they are showing that they are capable of. They are showing that they are match-winners on their day. That will help the team, of course, but it will also help their confidence," Rathour added. 

"Having seen KL (Rahul) and Shreyas as young cricketers coming through, in my mind, I have absolutely no doubt that they are match-winners. They are getting their opportunities now and they are showing the world what they are capable of, that is great to see."

With the batsmen, Rathour says, emphasizes has been on adjusting quickly to different surfaces and playing proper cricketing shots. 

"Big power-hitters and all, that time was there initially, people used to think T20 is more to do with power-hitting but it's not the case anymore. Proper cricketing shots, you still get value for shots," he said. 

"Players play so much cricket these days, all three formats consistently, day-in, day-out, they are making these adjustments on their own. The game of cricket has changed with time. Even in Test cricket, big shots are common. I don't think it is that big a difference."

"It is more of a mindset thing and about game plan. As a coach, I don't think we really need to tell them anything. They are doing it on their own," Rathour added. "They are stronger, fitter than from our generation. You can see that they are hitting big sixes and without any effort, that way the game has changed."

(Inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 28 Jan, 2020

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