IND vs SA: Rahul Dravid Bats For 'Wrong-footed Inswinger Menace' Virat Kohli To Be A Bowling Option For India

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid talked about the 6th bowling option for the team in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. He said that they have ‘wrong-footed inswinger menace’ Virat Kohli who could chip in and bowl a couple of overs for the team. 

India have been jolted with a massive blow in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the tournament and it now poses a massive threat for the team management. They will be without a sixth bowling option, which might haunt them as the tournament moves into the business end. 

In the absence of Hardik Pandya, India have used just five bowlers and thankfully so far it has paid off. But they might need a sixth bowling option and currently, they have no genuine batter who bows regularly. Virat Kohli rolled his arm over in one game and also Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav are the other potential options who can bowl a bit. 

Rahul Dravid admitted that injury to Hardik Pandya has ruled out the sixth bowling option. But they are up for the challenge. He pointed out that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav can chip in if they need to. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 

“Yes, we will not be in a position to have sixth bowling option. But we have a wrong-footed inswinger menace whom we can back for a couple of overs. He was close to doing so in the last game with the crowd pushing him to do so. The response of the team and the players have been really good. Surya can bowl, so can Rohit.” 

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— Vinay Mallenahalli (@Semperfiunited) November 4, 2023

IND vs SA: Virat has been really relaxed and keen to do what he has been doing for India – Rahul Dravid 

Rahul Dravid further heaped rich praise on Virat Kohli, saying that the batter is relaxed and keen to do what he’s doing. He said that he has no worries about his centuries and birthday. He added: 

“Virat has been really relaxed and keen to do what he has been doing for India. I have seen nothing different in how Virat goes about his business, not worried about his 49th or 50th or his birthday.” 

Virat Kohli will be celebrating his birthday on 5th November, when India will take on South Africa at Eden Gardens. He has been in staggering form in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. The right-hander has 442 runs to his name and also is on the verge of equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in the history of ODIs.