T20 World Cup: India Bowling Coach Paras Mhambrey Backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Says 'Think Both of Them are in Great Form'

Veteran India batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not quite had the best of tournaments so far but played innings of substance against Afghanistan in Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.

As the Indian cricket team ready for the match against Australia, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey asserted that the pair’s contribution are not be measured by just runs.

“I think Virat has been – in the past, we’ve seen from the IPL itself and Rohit from the World Cup. I think both of them in great form. I think every game there is a certain plan that you go in with. Sometimes some individual has to take a chance, the other has to play a defending role. So, I think that’s going to happen out here, that’s what is happening. Rohit is playing his natural game,” the bowling coach said at the pre-match press conference.

“But it’s good to see that in this game especially, the intent that Virat has shown, I think that’s good to see that, good to see that intent. And I think, performance – you’ll have games like this, you’ll get a 40-odd, 50-odd run, but I think the way he went about with the intent, that was good to see. That was good-hearted. And I think that’s the intent that we want as a batting unit as well. Something that we’ve been emphasizing throughout the previous World Cup, and this World Cup as well. I think if you do not show the intent it’s good to see that intent on the ground today,” he added.

Shivam Dube, who had not been able to perform his role, answered his critics with a crucial knock against Afghanistan. Paras Mhambrey though is not quite counting out the all-rounder’s capabilities with the ball in hand.

“See first of all, we always knew that Shivam adds bowling, maybe one or two overs. It depends on the situation where and how we can use it. But as long as right now, currently, with three seamers doing their job with three spinners, it’s difficult to get him over or so. But one thing that we’re definitely doing is working in the nets, consistently working on the bowling. The conversations is going, still have those kind of conversation knowing that maybe in a game going ahead, one of the games he will play a critical role. Maybe only six balls, maybe only over, but that will be very important over for us. So, preparation is going on. I think he’s in the right frame of mind. He’s working on his bowling, so good to see that. But if the situation does arise, I’m sure he’s prepared for it,” he said.

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