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- Published: July 24, 2024 20:57
New Delhi: Ex-batting coach Vikram Rathour has come out in the open and quashed all the debates surrounding the pitch of Ahmedabad which was used for the finals of the ODI World Cup 2023. Rathour who was part of the travelling contingent reportedly claimed to have seen the pitch from close quarters. “I was there for three days. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid inspected the pitch every day for 3 days…”
When asked about Australia’s win, Rathour replied that Australia were on top of the Indian team on that day and won because they played good cricket. “I have heard this story that the pitch was different which I don’t agree at all…” Vikram added that the Indian cricket team had played earlier matches against Australia, Pakistan and England on similar slow pitches. Rathour added that contrary to what the rumours suggest, the pitch at Ahmedabad eased out as the innings progressed.
Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour opens up on dealing with big players in the Indian team in an exclusive with @vijaylokapally
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Some people feel that there was a gross misjudgement on the part of Rohit Sharma who won the toss and chose to bat first. Experts had predicted that the pitch would slow down as the day progressed further. Naturally, it became a lot easier for the Australians to hit through the line in the second innings.
“He was calm and composed through these challenging times…”
In the interview, Rathour also shared the cherished memories that he had with Rahul Dravid. Speaking about Dravid, Rathour remarked “Rahul is the best coach I’ve worked with. He has a great character and is good at what he does…”
Dravid who has worked closely with the Indian team right from the ranks of the U-19 to the senior national team has always been a hard-working and meticulous coach. However, the Wall of Indian cricket has been hapless when it comes to silverware.
Everyone remembers a talented Indian squad weeping on the sidelines in the Caribbean during the 2007 World Cup as they were dispelled by the sluggish Bangladeshi side. But, this time destiny had something else in store for Rahul. Quashing his voodoo luck, Rahul Dravid finally laid his hands on the silverware as his boys thwarted the South African challenge in the finals of the ICC T20 World Cup and ended the trophy drought of 11 years.