"Match haar jayenge" – Kohli shares how Sourav Ganguly's team feared facing Vikram Rathour

Former India Under-19 batter Taruwar Kohli recently shared an intriguing story involving former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and Sourav Ganguly. Taruwar Kohli stated that the opposition team’s bowlers and coach were reluctant to play against Vikram Rathour, fearing they would lose the match.

Vikram Rathour concluded his coaching tenure on a high note as the Men in Blue won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Rathour, along with Paras Mhambrey and head coach Rahul Dravid, fulfilled the collective dreams of Indian fans. Team India secured a 7-run victory against South Africa in the final match.

Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance under challenging conditions in the final against South Africa.

Kohli was named Player of the Match for his performance in the summit clash. The 35-year-old batter announced his retirement from T20 internationals after lifting the World Cup trophy.

Sourav Ganguly Was Watching That Game - Taruwar Kohli

Speaking on his show 'Find a Way with Taruwar Kohli,' the former India U19 batter recounted how opposition teams, including bowlers and coaches, were so intimidated by Vikram Rathour's skills.

He said that Sourav Ganguly was impressed by Rathour's performance, especially against short-pitched deliveries.

"As a player, I have heard about you that there was a time that the bowler and coach said, 'We won't play; match haar jayenge (we'll lose the game). That's how good you were on your day. I think it was a Bengal game. It was getting dark, and Himachal [Pradesh] were winning.

You eventually won that game for your team so that is how good I have heard you were. I think Sachin paaji would be… in fact a lot of players. Sourav Ganguly was watching that game, so he saw the potential in you at that time. I have heard that you were a very good player against the short ball – playing pulls and hooks," Taruwar Kohli said.

The 55-year-old was a highly regarded batter in India's domestic cricket scene before becoming a batting coach. However, Rathour failed to make an impact in his brief international career. The former right-handed batter played six Test matches and seven ODIs, scoring 324 runs across the formats.

You Have No Choice But To Play Squarer - Vikram Rathour

Vikram Rathour revealed that playing conditions during his early cricketing days shaped his skills, particularly against short-pitched bowling. Rathour said that many matches were played on matting wickets, which forced players to hone their ability to play square shots effectively.

"It all boils down to the conditions. The ones we faced made you a player. Back in our days, and you'll recall, a lot of the matches used to be played on mats. Turf wickets were far and few. Turf ones would have a lot of bounce and that automatically develops your game against short bowling. In formative years, playing on those wickets, you have no choice but to play squarer. So that worked that well."

Vikram Rathour's stint with the Indian team lasted less than a year. Rathour soon recognized that he might not be suited for the highest level despite his proficiency against short-pitched bowling. Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Sachin Tendulkar excelled for Team India during his playing career.

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