India’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, heaped praise on pacer Arshdeep Singh for showing the temperament and composure to handle pressure and bowl well in difficult conditions ahead of the first T20I against South Africa.
India is all set to face South Africa in three T20Is and as many as three ODIs, with the home series beginning on Wednesday (September 28) at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ahead of the first T20I, Rathour backed the Indian bowlers and said they were given the freedom to execute their plans by the team management, so they just had to back their strength.
He also praised Arshdeep Singh, who returns to the squad after being rested for the Australia T20Is.
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Vikram Rathour said at the pre-match press conference, “At this level, we are not really telling them anything. Arsh has been doing pretty well in IPL in the last 2-3 years and he has done well bowling in the death overs. We just support them to follow their plans, and strengths and they know where to bowl to each batter. They have their own plans, their own way of bowling to batters.”
He continued, “As team management, we just have discussions to back their strengths and whatever the team plans are. No specific areas but for a young kid Arsh who has just come into international cricket, so far he has shown the temperament and composure to handle pressure and bowl well in difficult conditions. So as far we are concerned, we are pretty happy with the way he is progressing.”
Meanwhile, India’s batting coach revealed that Arshdeep and Shahbaz Nadeem have already joined the team, and Shreyas Iyer is likely to join them on Wednesday evening for the South Africa T20I series.
Rathour added, “Already three replacements that are coming through. Arsh has joined the team. Shahbaz has joined the team and I think we are expecting Shreyas Iyer here till the evening. These are the replacements. Who plays in the eleven, that will be a decision taken before the game.”
He signed off by saying about the possible playing combinations for T20 World Cup 2022, “That will depend on that day. We will try and give as much opportunity to everyone who will be involved with the World Cup. We are looking to do that, but how and when that will depend on the game and surfaces we are playing.”
(With ANI Inputs)
